New Ownership, Old Problems
In 2022, David Gomez and his mother Bertha Gomez bought La Golondrina Cafe from the Bonzo family.
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Excitement soon turned to frustration as they encountered numerous issues, including delays in the sale approval process and significant plumbing problems that kept the restaurant closed. These initial hurdles set the stage for a series of ongoing challenges.
Legal Battles Begin
The Gomez family filed a lawsuit in May against the city of Los Angeles, Councilmember Kevin de León, and the UNITE HERE Local 11 union.
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They claimed that these parties interfered with the sale and were responsible for the costly repairs needed to reopen the cafe. The lawsuit aimed to hold the city accountable for repair work at the historic site.
Councilmember Lawsuit Dropped
The Gomez family eventually dropped their lawsuit against Councilmember de León after he filed a countersuit.
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According to Gomez, they dismissed de León for procedural reasons. Despite this, their legal battles continued with other parties involved, adding to the financial and emotional strain on the family.
Plumbing Issues Persist
La Golondrina Cafe is located in the Pelanconi House, Los Angeles’ oldest brick building. The building’s century-old cast iron pipes required repairs estimated at $90,000.
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Despite submitting multiple work estimates and requests for inspection reports, the city and the commission overseeing Olvera Street did not address the plumbing issues, leaving the restaurant unable to reopen.
Eviction Looms
With unresolved plumbing problems and ongoing rent disputes, the El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument Authority voted on September 28 to evict the Gomez family.
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They argued they deserved rent abatement due to the city’s failure to repair the plumbing, but the commission disagreed, adding further obstacles to their efforts to reopen the cafe.
Community Impact
The closure of La Golondrina Cafe has created a “ghost town” feeling on Olvera Street. David Gomez explained that the restaurant brought in a clientele with more spending power, benefiting all the vendors in the area.
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The community now feels the absence of this historic landmark, and local businesses are suffering as a result.
Financial Strain and Bankruptcy
The financial burden of legal battles and repair costs became too much for the Gomez family. The restaurant announced its bankruptcy and decision not to reopen, expressing their frustration with the city’s lack of support and the political hurdles they faced.
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This marked a heartbreaking end to their dreams of reviving the historic eatery.
Memories and Legacy
La Golondrina Cafe holds a special place in the hearts of many Angelenos. From 21st birthday celebrations to wedding receptions, the restaurant has been part of countless cherished memories.
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David Gomez shared his disappointment, emphasizing the cultural and emotional significance of the cafe for many families who have long-standing ties to the place.
Quotes from the Owners
David Gomez shared his disappointment, saying, “It definitely needs to be back open and open soon. It’s already been way too long.”
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Their Instagram post added, “We are truly sorry we did everything in our power. The whole thing has been very discouraging and eye-opening to how the political system works in LA.” These words reflect their deep sense of loss and frustration.
Similar Struggles on Olvera Street
The Gomez family’s struggle is not unique. The operator of “El Burrito y La Carreta,” a donkey stand with over 50 years of history on Olvera Street, is also facing eviction.
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This highlights broader issues of tenant instability and the challenges of maintaining historic businesses, showing that the problem extends beyond just one restaurant.
Looking Forward
While La Golondrina Cafe’s closure marks the end of an era, it also raises important questions about the support systems for small businesses in historic areas.
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The Gomez family’s fight sheds light on the need for better city support to preserve the cultural and historical fabric of places like Olvera Street. The community hopes for solutions that protect these cherished landmarks.
Source: Visitor7/Wikimedia Commons