A.O.C. Brentwood will close its doors on August 1, according to a joint Instagram announcement from chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne. The popular restaurant, located at 11648 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood, will shut down due to post-pandemic rising financial pressures.
Highlights
- A.O.C. Brentwood is set to close on August 1.
- The restaurant owners cited increasing economic strain as the reason for the closure.
- The announcement confirmed continued operations at the West Hollywood location.
A.O.C. Brentwood Closure Announced
A.O.C. in Brentwood will close for business starting August 1. The closure of the popular establishment was announced by owners—restaurateur Caroline Styne and chef Suzanne Goin—in a post on Instagram. “We have loved our time as part of the Brentwood community; we love our staff, past and present, and we are grateful to our many loyal customers,” the post read.
While the A.O.C. brand debuted at this site in 2021, the location previously operated as Tavern since 2008, totaling 16 years
The owners cited the aftereffects of COVID-19, which have impacted many independent restaurants in LA, as the reason for closure. Several factors, including the actors’ and writers’ strikes, fires, rising costs of goods and labor, high rents, and mounting bureaucracy, together contributed to their decision.
Known for its elegant setting, the San Vicente Boulevard restaurant was cherished for its seasonal small plates concept, popular wine bar, and California-inspired cuisine. The celebrated establishment was recognized as the #2 wine bar in America by Newsweek Magazine.
West Hollywood Location Remains Open
The announcement post revealed the A.O.C. location in West Hollywood will continue business as usual. The owners opened the fine dining restaurant at 8700 West Third St. in 2002.
The endeavor was a huge success and collected several positive reviews in its debut year. It was named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 50 hot tables. A.O.C. is particularly famous for its select wine offerings.
Last year, A.O.C. was inducted into the Restaurant Hall of Fame by the Los Angeles Times.
Challenges in the Local Dining Scene
Independent restaurant closures have become all too common in Los Angeles. In a follow-up slide of their announcement post, Caroline and Suzanne invited support from locals to help independent restaurants.
The duo highlighted that many beloved eateries in Los Angeles, including the old favorites, are closing due to reduced foot traffic.
They also called out groups like the Independent Hospitality Coalition and the Independent Restaurant Coalition, organizations working on economic and social policies to help protect small food businesses.
A Westside dining mainstay, A.O.C. has operated in the Brentwood location since 2021. It was formerly occupied by Tavern, a venture of Caroline and Suzanne, which was shuttered during the pandemic.
The owners have invited their loyal patrons to visit and dine over the next six weeks to celebrate their long run. Guests can visit the restaurant till the end of July, as it will be serving its final meals on August 1.
