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Dive Bar's Last Call: LA Community Fights Redevelopment
12 Sep
Summary
- Beloved LA dive bar Pineapple Hill faces sudden eviction for redevelopment.
- Owner Angela Marsden crowdfunded survival during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Locals and regulars express deep concern over loss of community space.
Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill, a Los Angeles institution since 1978, has been served a sudden 60-day notice to vacate its premises in Sherman Oaks. The beloved dive bar, recognized as a City of Los Angeles Legacy Business, is slated for closure to make way for redevelopment at the site. Owner Angela Marsden expressed a sense of betrayal, having received assurances about future lease negotiations.
The bar previously gained national attention in 2020 when Marsden successfully crowdfunded over $185,000 to stay open amidst COVID-19 restrictions. Now, redevelopment plans by Blumax Partners necessitate the bar's closure by October 6th. This impending closure threatens the livelihoods of Marsden's 16 employees and signifies a significant loss of community for regulars.
Patrons describe Pineapple Hill as an irreplaceable refuge, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. The bar serves as a safe haven for many, including women who feel comfortable visiting alone and transplants seeking a sense of home. Its closure reflects a broader trend of disappearing neighborhood bars in Los Angeles, concerning both older and younger residents.
