Los Angeles, CA – A prominent fixture in the Westside’s esteemed culinary landscape is set to dim its lights. A.O.C. Brentwood, the restaurant located on San Vicente Boulevard, co-owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and acclaimed restaurateur Caroline Styne, will cease operations on August 1, marking the end of its 16-year tenure in the neighborhood.
The decision to close the doors of the popular eatery was attributed by the owners to a confluence of significant economic challenges that have increasingly burdened the restaurant industry.
A Westside Culinary Staple Departs
For over a decade and a half, A.O.C. Brentwood has served as a key destination for diners on the Westside, known for its acclaimed cuisine and atmosphere. Its closure on August 1 signifies a notable shift in the local dining scene. The restaurant, under the stewardship of Goin and Styne, who are also behind other successful Los Angeles establishments, had built a loyal following.
The owners cited a complex web of factors contributing to the closure, painting a picture of a difficult operating environment for independent restaurants in urban centers. These challenges, they explained, include the protracted aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which fundamentally altered consumer behavior and supply chains.
Adding to these pressures have been the recent actors’ and writers’ strikes, which significantly impacted the entertainment industry and, consequently, the business environment in Los Angeles, reducing corporate spending and discretionary income for many residents. Unforeseen events, such as fires, were also mentioned as contributing factors, highlighting the vulnerability of businesses to unpredictable external shocks.
Beyond these event-specific impacts, the owners pointed to systemic financial hurdles. They specifically named unsustainably high rents as a major drain on resources, a common complaint among businesses in prime Los Angeles locations. Compounding this were rising food and labor costs, pressures felt by restaurants nationwide, squeezing profit margins in an already low-margin industry. Finally, the owners cited “mounting bureaucracy,” suggesting that regulatory and administrative burdens added complexity and cost to operations.
Tracing Its History
The establishment that would become A.O.C. Brentwood originally opened its doors in 2008 under the name Tavern. It quickly established itself as a neighborhood favorite. Later, the venue was rebranded as A.O.C., leveraging the strong reputation of Goin and Styne’s original A.O.C. location on West Third Street. Throughout its 16 years on San Vicente Boulevard, the restaurant maintained a reputation for quality dining, contributing significantly to the local culinary landscape.
Farewell and Advocacy
In announcing the closure, Goin and Styne conveyed profound gratitude to their staff and the many loyal customers who patronized A.O.C. Brentwood over the years. Restaurant closures are often deeply felt by employees and the community they serve, and the owners’ message underscored this connection.
Their statement also included a broader appeal, urging diners to prioritize supporting local, independent restaurants. This call to action highlights the precarious position many non-corporate dining establishments find themselves in when facing the economic headwinds described. The owners specifically mentioned advocacy groups like the Independent Hospitality Coalition and the Independent Restaurant Coalition, signaling their support for industry-wide efforts to address the systemic issues impacting independent operators. This emphasizes that A.O.C. Brentwood’s situation is not isolated but reflective of wider challenges.
Looking Ahead
While the Brentwood location prepares for its final service on August 1, Goin and Styne’s culinary presence in Los Angeles will continue. The original A.O.C. location on West Third Street will remain open, continuing to offer its acclaimed menu and dining experience. This ensures that the A.O.C. brand, known for pioneering the wine bar and small plates concept in Los Angeles, will still be accessible to diners.
Broader Implications
The closure of a well-regarded restaurant like A.O.C. Brentwood, especially one backed by figures as prominent as Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, serves as a stark reminder of the challenging economic climate facing the restaurant industry. The specific factors cited – from the lingering impacts of the pandemic and strikes to structural issues like rent, labor, food costs, and regulatory complexity – are pressures felt by independent restaurants across the nation.
The departure of A.O.C. Brentwood from San Vicente Boulevard is a loss for the Westside dining community. It also underscores the critical need for continued support for local, independent businesses, which contribute uniquely to the character and vibrancy of their neighborhoods but operate with increasingly thin margins in the face of significant economic and operational hurdles.
