Earl Enterprises is exiting the food hall business in Los Angeles.
The Orlando-based company was the operator behind the launch of the massive Topanga Social food hall in the Westfield Topanga, in the Los Angeles suburb of Canoga Park. Opened in 2023, the venue brought more than 25 local restaurants and bars to the 55,000-square-foot space, from Amboy Quality Burgers to Shrimp Daddy and Tail o’ the Pup.
Last month, however, a WARN Act notice was filed in California indicating that 131 food hall employees will be laid off, as of April 14, from the food hall’s management company, Topanga Social Manager LLC, which is operated by Earl Enterprises.
The food hall management firm in an email confirmed that their management responsibilities at Topanga Social will conclude on April 15.
“Our focus is supporting our employees and ensuring a smooth transition to Westfield as they explore new opportunities with local brands and continue evolving this great destination,” the firm said in a statement.
Officials with mall operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield said they are evaluating options for the food hall and are working with local operators through the transition.
“We look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working on the next evolution of this dynamic, chef-driven destination,” the mall said in a statement.
It’s the latest move by multi-brand Earl Enterprises, which has counted among its brands Buca di Beppo, Bertucci’s, Brio Italian Grille and Bravo, Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy, and others.
Earl Enterprises is also parent of the Virtual Dining Brands concept, which licenses virtual brands for restaurants to generate additional revenue.
Buca di Beppo filed bankruptcy in 2024 and was later sold to its lender after no bidders came forward.
The brands Planet Hollywood, Bertucci’s and Bravo Brio Restaurants filed bankruptcy last year, with plans to close a number of locations.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.