Los Angeles
Los Angeles Content
Los Angeles County’s diverse restaurant scene is a major economic driver. Spanning fine dining, food trucks, and innovative eateries, it mirrors the region’s cultural diversity. The industry creates hundreds of thousands of jobs, generates significant sales tax revenue, and attracts global tourists. It also supports local farmers, purveyors, and distributors, helping circulate economic activity countywide and cementing LA’s reputation as a top food destination.
By Haiden Emmett and Esau Flores
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Los Angeles County
Policy:
Manhattan Beach Drops Business Tax Ballot Proposal (For Now)
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach City Council had been considering whether to place a business license tax measure before voters for the November 2026 election. The City Council dropped the business tax changes for now rather than seeking voter approval this year. Under the scrapped model, a few companies with the highest revenues would have seen higher annual business taxes, while the basic business license registration fee would have been reduced from over $300 to $100.
Why it matters: The decision gives restaurants and other local businesses more time to engage with the city and help shape any future tax proposal before it moves forward.
Source: Manhattan Beach Staff Report; The MB News
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Approves Environmental Program Fee Adjustments
Los Angeles County
At its July 28 meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved proposed County Code amendments adjusting annual fees and cost-recovery rates for several environmental protection programs. The agenda materials identify hazardous waste generator, hazardous materials handler, California Accidental Release Prevention, and aboveground storage tank program fees.
Why it matters: Restaurants and hospitality businesses with regulated hazardous materials, tanks, or related environmental program obligations may want to monitor any adopted fee changes.
Source: Los Angeles County Board Agenda – July 28, 2026
Plates:
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. to Close
After 12 years in Van Nuys, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. has announced it will close its doors September 30. The family-owned brewery shared that the business is no longer viable, thanking the employees, patrons, volunteers, vendors and neighbors who helped build the community around MacLeod over the years. They’re inviting customers back for a final pint and to help “drain the tanks” before the lights go out.
Why it matters: MacLeod has been a fixture of the San Fernando Valley’s independent craft beer scene for more than a decade. Its closure reflects the continued pressures facing long-standing independent food and beverage businesses.
Source: https://www.macleodale.com/
Chef Marcus Jernmark opens Maree above Lielle
Chef Marcus Jernmark opened Maree on September 9 at 9575 West Pico Boulevard, directly above his Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant Lielle. The approximately 70-seat French-California bistro and wine bar is designed as a more casual counterpart to Lielle, with a menu influenced by French cooking and seasonal California ingredients.
Why it matters: The opening shows a chef-led operator expanding through a complementary concept at the same property while reaching a broader dining occasion and price point.
Source: Eater Los Angeles
Chef Eyal Shani brings Malka to Beverly Hills
Chef Eyal Shani opened Malka on September 1 inside the SIXTY Beverly Hills hotel at 9360 Wilshire Boulevard. The full-service Mediterranean restaurant follows kosher dietary standards and emphasizes seasonal produce and open-fire cooking.
Why it matters: The opening adds a prominent chef-led hotel concept and expands the range of full-service kosher dining available in the region.
Source: Beverly Hills Patch
Alphabet Bar & Grill debuts with Palisades Village reopening
Alphabet Bar & Grill opened August 15 as part of the reopening of Palisades Village following its closure after the January 2025 fires. The neighborhood-focused American grill is a partnership between the h.wood Group and chef Tim Hollingsworth.
Why it matters: The restaurant is part of a broader effort to restore commercial and community activity in an area still recovering from the fires.
Source: Eater Los Angeles
Chef Debbie Lee and Be Bright Coffee open Mokja
Mokja opened August 7 on North Figueroa Street next to chef Debbie Lee’s Korean pub Yi Cha. Lee developed the Korean market-cafe with Frank and Michelle La of Be Bright Coffee, combining prepared foods, coffee, pantry retail and grab-and-go dishes.
Why it matters: Mokja demonstrates how restaurant and coffee operators can collaborate on a smaller-format concept that combines foodservice, retail and takeout.
Source: Eater Los Angeles
New operating team reopens longtime French restaurant Mistral
Mistral reopened August 10 following a refresh of the nearly four-decade-old Sherman Oaks restaurant. Jonah Freedman is operating the restaurant with culinary director Josh Migdal following the retirement of founder Henri Abergel.
Why it matters: The transition offers an example of restaurant succession in which new operators preserve an established concept and customer base rather than replacing it.
Source: Eater Los Angeles