How Restaurants Became a Central Issue in Los Angeles Politics

Leading up to Tuesday’s closely contested mayoral primary, several candidates in Los Angeles have spotlighted the hospitality industry in their political platforms.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Recent years have been particularly difficult for Los Angeles’s restaurant sector. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Hollywood strikes, immigration enforcement actions, and wildfires have dealt significant blows to businesses.

Chef Jeff Strauss, who owns Oy Bar in Studio City, California, illustrates these challenges. In late 2024, he attempted to expand his business by acquiring a second space in his building. However, after navigating extensive city regulations, he discovered the entire block had been sold for a project to develop affordable housing.

Their plan to destroy this entire block of businesses moved much faster than my attempt to turn an existing retail space into a sandwich shop,” Strauss said, expressing concern over a system that could hinder small business survival.

Although Strauss supports the construction of more affordable housing, the rapid progress of such projects disturbed him. He decided to abandon his new restaurant initiative, choosing instead to open a grocery store. He remains uncertain about the future of his restaurant, known for its Jewish American-inspired pub food.

Political Focus on Restaurants

Numerous Los Angeles restaurateurs echo Strauss’s concerns. The ongoing difficulties in the industry have turned restaurant-related issues into a focal point of upcoming mayoral discussions. With major events like the World Cup happening next month and the Summer Olympics in 2028, the health of the city’s famous restaurant scene is now a key political topic.

In Los Angeles County, governance can be fragmented; change often occurs slowly. Yet candidates from across the political spectrum are appealing to voters by promising to transform city government from a barrier into a supporter for small restaurant owners. They aim to help even the tiniest establishments capitalize on the anticipated influx of tourists.