Media announcements published Macy’s closing over 150 stores began in 2022, but downtown didn’t bat an eye until finding out recently the Macy’s at the Bloc was one of the locations slated for closure, ripping a tear through the fabric of DTLAs retail empire.
Sources say the store, which like many others in the chain has suffered from low in-store sales, employee shortages, and theft. Downtown Macy fans can expect to see the gradual breakdown beginning with the cosmetic section as early as December with the stores closure in March of 2025. After that, our nearest opportunity to shop in store at Macys will be in Glendale.
Featured photo courtesy TheBloc
Big Shade Towards Otium on Social Media
Photo courtesy of Otium – Bunker Hill
What could be worse than having to close your iconic Bunker Hill location known for its exquisite bites, superior service, and downright handsome co-owners? Having to face the wrath of former employees claiming you haven’t paid them, in a public forum.
Eater was the first to announce the ten-year closure of Otium, once helmed by Chef Timothy Hollingsworth, fresh from the kitchen of the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, located in the plush serenity of Northern California.
Otium, with its mix of Asia meets the Middle East, up until September was a fine dining restaurant delicately held dear by the soft caress of the Broad Museum. Shaded in the distance of the museum’s courtyard, designed by architect Osvaldo Maoizzi, Otium held its very own blend of elegance, allure, and a touch of hip.
But like so many others on Bunker Hill, the establishment faced difficulties to stay afloat after mandated COVID restriction domino effects led to a spike in homelessness, crime, and fewer inner city workers visiting for lunch, dinner, or happy hours. Hollingsworth told the online food mag that the COVID-19 pandemic had created “unprecedented challenges.”
No sooner was the announcement made worldwide about Otium closing, came an anonymous post alleging Otium hadn’t paid its workers their last checks left to linger on the wall of the 28k member DTLA Facebook group admined by longtime DTLA advocate, Rich Resmer. Although the post drew little engagement, the anonymous post attempts to shame everyone, from the owners of Otium to the Broad Museum. Never the less, the accusers have no intention of showing their faces, leaving less and less credibility to their claims.
Not a Vegan Burger in Sight: Kevin Hart’s Restaurant Chain Closes
Photo courtesy My Hart House
Forget about Shake Shack closing their Bunker Hill location as this year’s juicy burger shocker, Kevin Hart just shuttered all four locations of his vegan burger restaurant slash manufacturing plant all at once with not so much as a hint upon why, leaving the entire world to speculation.
Coming up on the two-week mark, it looks like there’ll be no more plant power for USC “Hart House” location on Fig, as the famous comedian/actor still hasn’t made a formal comment as to why the closures took place. The IG page turned off comments on social media, and for good reason. Comments across platforms aren’t all positive.
The 45-year-old megastar is estimated to have $450 million in net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, and could easily retire, however, fans of the restaurant are still hoping what ever his future endeavors include, Kevin Hart will keep it vegan.
Saving Big Man Bakes!
Photo courtesy Big Man Bakes
It was in 2009 when Chip Brown first brought his cupcake bakery to Downtown Los Angeles.
At well over 6 feet, 5 inches, the Old Bank District didn’t put up a fight when it came to comprehending Big Man Bakes new signage.
Quickly becoming a valued community member in a time before Sprinkles, the Main Street store sat at the cusp of a rapidly progressing corridor with the potential to change all of Downtown Los Angeles.
And so it did. Within an eyeshot of the bakery stood Baco Mercat (RIP), Pete’s (RIP), Blossom (RIP), and The Original Lash (RIP) all uniquely differentiated establishments that convened to make Main St. and 4th a quite pleasant place to be.
Back then, Brown told a young, inspiring publisher of the TheGrawn (Gallery Row Art Walk News),
“To be honest,” he says, “In the past three years, I’ve seen tremendous development, and it’s great to be a part of that. People come up to me and say, ‘We feel like a real neighborhood now that we have cupcakes.”
As what a feeling it was.
Fast forward: fifteen-years later, thanks to the batter of Covid, baked with riots, homelessness, and low morals, the taste of downtown has become bittersweet, and Big Man Bakes has fallen into hardship.
“Temporary Closed”, scream messaging from a search on both Yelp and Google, and the windows that once let passersby catch a glimpse of happy consumers lined up to pick up cupcakes have gone dark to mask the empty trays that once’s filled with the neighborhood with delights.
However, Big Man’s delicious recipes and lack of customer base don’t explain why the doors have shuttered.
Recently, the “Big Man” suffered two strokes within a matter of days. Thanks to one very skilled neurology team and some amazing nurses, after nine weeks, Chip is back on his feet and making great strides every day.
According to a recent Go Fund Me page, friends and family are asking for the community’s help to raise $50,000 to help Chip and his beloved “Big Man Bakes” back and running.
