Neighborhood contributors are hoping to avoid wasting an iconic Santa Monica diner that’s been serving locals for generations.
It’s laborious to pass over Patrick’s Roadhouse when using down Pacific Coast Freeway with its bright-green external embellished with dinosaurs and kitschy sculptures at the roof.
Based by means of Invoice Fischler in 1973, the enduring diner has been a staple for lots of locals and celebrities alike together with Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Golden Hawn and extra.
Right through the years, the eating place used to be topped “Highest Diner in California,” “Highest Banana Cream Pie in the United States” and in 2024, it used to be named “Highest Diner in the United States.”
Patrick’s Roadhouse has been featured two times on Man Fieri’s “Diners, Pressure-Ins and Dives” and the 1991 movie, “Level Damage.”
The roadside diner is understood for serving hearty convenience meals amid eclectic, unfashionable decor. Many vacationers imagine it a must-stop on highway journeys throughout the West Coast.
Alternatively, in spite of its storied legacy, the diner used to be now not spared throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to get well the hire that used to be owed throughout the compelled closure of eating rooms.
The eating place controlled to stick afloat from restricted earnings via takeout orders, however sooner or later “discovered themselves not able to fulfill the calls for of this collected hire when the deferral length ended and the huge lump sum simply got here due,” in keeping with a GoFundMe marketing campaign hoping to avoid wasting the trade.
The diner formally closed its doorways on April 21. The present proprietor, Anthony Fischler, is hoping to renegotiate a long-term hire with the construction’s landlord and can want $250,000 to hide again hire and construction upkeep.
“It used to be past crushing,” stated Tracy Fischler, whose circle of relatives operates the diner. “It used to be devastating. My dad began it 52 years in the past and it’s a legacy. It’s a landmark.”
“Patrick’s Roadhouse is a jewel of the community, the Westside community,” stated Kurt Benjamin, a neighborhood resident and organizer of the GoFundMe marketing campaign.
Benjamin and his spouse had been trustworthy consumers for years and are decided to assist save the eating place and its wealthy L.A. historical past.
“It actually hit the heartstrings of numerous folks,” Benjamin stated. “It’s this kind of amusing position and we simply need to stay the legacy alive.”
The reaction following information of the closure has been well-liked, with toughen coming in from locals and vacationers alike who all have particular recollections on the diner.
“I will’t say greater than thanks,” Tracy stated of the toughen. “It’s been moderately a blessing to be part of this adventure. It doesn’t matter what occurs, it’s a adventure and this can be a blessing and this eating place will imply one thing to all of Los Angeles without end.”
The Fischler circle of relatives stated Patrick’s Roadhouse has been running profitably for many of its over half-century lifestyles.
There used to be chatter about doubtlessly making the eating place a ancient landmark.
The GoFundMe marketing campaign is hoping to boost $250,000. Round $50,000 will move in opposition to construction enhancements whilst the remainder can be allotted towards again hire.
The homeowners famous if they didn’t meet their finish function, all donations can be refunded.
“In combination, we will make sure that Patrick’s Roadhouse continues to serve scrumptious meals, continues to create lasting recollections, and is still a loved a part of Santa Monica for generations to return,” the GoFundMe web page stated. “Let’s save this American icon! Thanks on your generosity and love for Patrick’s Roadhouse.”
The GoFundMe marketing campaign may also be discovered right here. Extra details about the eating place may also be discovered right here.
