6 recent restaurant changes in Long Beach
From the closure of Hungry and Bored to an incoming brick-and-mortar for Hey Brother Baker, here's the food news you may have missed lately.
It’s hard to believe that there have been so many changes in Long Beach’s food world in just a short few weeks since The Hi-lo (Long Beach Post’s food and arts section) went dark.
Because I’ve missed sharing so much with you during the weeks that followed losing my job (along with eight of my colleagues), I’m going to do a quick rundown of the food news you might have missed.
Be sure to subscribe to Long Beach Watchdog to catch up on more food coverage. Soon, I’ll be getting back to producing those deeper features that take you behind the counter of all of the coolest and newest spots in town.
Six news bites you may have missed in my absence:
Hey Brother Baker gets brick-and-mortar
Hey Brother Baker, arguably one of the most popular bakers without a shop, will finally move into a brick-and-mortar. If you’ve eaten at places like Alder & Sage, or Heritage when it was a sandwich shop, you’ve probably tasted Jesse Hellen-Lloyd’s delicious dough. A teaser posted on the brand’s Instagram gave no indication of an opening date (except that it’ll likely be awhile, as the space shown was completely empty) or a location address. After some snooping, I’m guessing it will be at the corner of Anaheim and Termino Avenue.
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Downtown has a new sandwich shop
Months ago, I wrote about a Beach Hut Deli location coming to Ocean Boulevard near Ruth’s Chris. I’d link to that story, which included an interview with one of the owners, but we’re asking readers and supporters to not engage with any Post or Business Journal content while we try to resolve our labor dispute with management. The chain, which serves beer and wine in addition to its hefty sandwiches, started in Northern California in the early 80s and has grown to over 40 locations since beginning to franchise.
At the Long Beach location, a stuffed 6-inch turkey and cheese sandwich (without any extras like bacon or special dietary changes like vegan cheese or a gluten-free roll) will run you about $11.25 before tax. Or you can get one of their gourmet sandwiches, one of which comes with pastrami, avocado, bacon, cream cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini and lettuce on a French roll for $15.95.
Beach Hut Deli is at 180 E. Ocean Blvd.
Bar Becky is here to stay
Bar Becky, which has been operating as a pop-up headed by partners Chef Johnathan Benvenuti and bar director Jason Scarborough, will permanently stay at Remix Kitchen in LBX. For avid cooking competition watchers, you’ll recognize Benvenuti from last season’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” He’s a Huntington Beach native and aims to create a family-centered Italian restaurant to honor his late mother, Becky. At the moment, the restaurant is still only offering a limited a la carte menu. A full menu and hours are expected by April 17. Reservations can be made here: https://www.exploretock.com/remixkitchenbar.
Bar Becky is at 3860 Worsham Ave.
Hungry and Bored closes; Chile Verde to open
The NFT-backed restaurant group behind Hungry and Bored on Seventh Street decided to close its Long Beach location after two years and focus on expanding in Asia. The restaurant served up burgers and fries, mainly, but also sold merch with the Bored Ape NFT that took the world by storm a few years ago. (Don’t ask me to explain an NFT, there are much better sources for that, like Google). The brand now has four locations – three in the Philippines and one recently opened in Seoul, South Korea. Family-owned Mexican chain Chile Verde will take its Seventh Street spot. The brand has locations all around the South Bay and LA, including another location in Long Beach on Long Beach Boulevard and Willow Street. The brand serves tacos, burritos, tortas and more.
Chile Verde will open at 2405 E. Seventh Street.
Holey Grail Donuts is coming to Belmont Shore
No date on when this will happen, but Holey Grail Donuts, known for chewy, taro-based donuts, confirmed it will open a location in Belmont Shore soon. It will open in the former Earl of Sandwich space. Taro, a staple in many Southeast Asian and African cuisines, is a starchy root vegetable similar to a sweet potato. The chain fries its donuts in coconut oil and makes its dairy alternatives (like cashew coconut milk) in-house daily. If you can’t wait until the Belmont Shore location opens, there’s a Holey Grail in Santa Monica.
Holey Grail will open at 4803 E. Second Street.
Moon Mountain Coffee closes; Chapter II Coffee opens
Moon Mountain Coffee has shuttered, with Chapter II Coffee taking its place. I don’t have many details on this new shop, but I hope to swing by soon. Here’s what we do know: Chapter II will continue to serve Moon Mountain’s coffee beans and its menu will stay the same for now.
Chapter II Coffee is at 5277 E. Second St and will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you spot any changes around town, or want me to find out more about a new place, send me an email and I’ll hunt down some information for you: [email protected].
