Akasha Cafe unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving the local community in shock. The closure was announced via social media, with the Akasha team citing rising costs and industry challenges as key factors. The all-day cafe and bakery served its final dinner on October 5, before closing its doors permanently.
Akasha Shut Down After Years of Service
One of LA’s most iconic and cherished cafes, Akasha, situated in Culver City, announced its untimely closure. Known for its bright, contemporary bakery, Akasha served casual and affordable coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner for nearly two decades.
Through an Instagram post, the cafe shared, “So, with a heavy heart, after nearly eighteen wonderful years in Culver City, AKASHA will be closing its doors. Our final day of restaurant service will be Sunday, October 5th. Your support has meant the world to us, and we would love it if you could join us for one last meal in the restaurant.”
In the social media post, the cafe mentioned that since the pandemic, the LA dining scene has been unstable. Followed by wildfires, Hollywood protests, industry shifts, and rising costs, the cafe faced mounting challenges to its operations.
The cafe wrote, “Like so many beloved independent restaurants, the challenges of recent years have become too great to overcome — from the aftereffects of COVID-19 and the entertainment industry strikes, to the film business moving away from Southern California, and the ever-rising costs of food and labor. Yet, through it all, what has sustained us is you.”
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Overwhelming Community Responses
The heartbreaking news of Akasha’s permanent closure has deeply saddened the community. Loyal customers flooded social media with heartfelt messages and cherished memories, sending well-wishes to their beloved cafe as it closed.
“I remember being one of the first through your doors and thinking to myself, wow, Culver City has landed, we’ve got Akasha. Some of my best memories are with you at your restaurant. Lottie was four years old, and she had to sit on a cushion on the benches, and she loved your mac & cheese. Now she’s in college as a junior, and we still talk about our Thanksgiving meals with you. There will never be another place like yours in downtown Culver City. You are brilliant, Chef, but if I know you, you’ve got something else cooking up,” wrote a customer.
Another customer appreciated the cafe and mentioned, “You and your staff have been valued members of our community for so long, and we want everything good for you.”
Even after closing, Akasha reassured customers that this isn’t the end, with plans to host events and continue meal deliveries. Akasha At Home meals remain available for delivery and pick-up.
