A Politically Incorrect Blog About Living in Woodland Hills, California

Woodland Hills Koo Koo Roo Closes Along With 9 Other Locations

Magic Brands LLC, the now bankrupt Austin, Texas company that owns the Koo Koo Roo and Fuddruckers brands, had sold off their assets to Florida-based Tavistock Group.  While many restaurants from each chain will be closed in the deal, Koo Koo Roo is clearly the redheaded stepchild of the deal with 10 of 13 outlets being scrapped.

Tavistock hopes to transform the long dying Fuddruckers brand into a franchising powerhouse like Virgina-based Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the rapidly expanding franchise-ready version of In-N-Out Burger.  I fully expect all Koo Koo Roo’s to eventually be closed.  It is a chain that lost its direction early in the 2000s with constant and questionable menu and decor changes that left their customers scratching their heads and looking for other dining options.

No word yet on what might move into the now empty Koo Koo Roo space in Woodland Hills, but as always I will keep my eyes on it and keep you posted.

Popularity: 6%

Amaranta Cocina Mexicana At Topanga Plaza Closes, Replaced By Drywall

The Mexican restaurant Amaranta Cocina Mexicana in the Topanga Plaza mall has closed.  I actually did eat at this place a few times and it was surprisingly good.  I just don’t think sit down restaurants do well in this particular mall, although Red Robin seems pretty busy every time I walk by.  I’m also a big fan of Gyu-Kaku, however I much prefer the Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills locations.

I’m not sure if something will be replacing Amaranta or not, as the whole area has been encased in drywall.  Oddly enough, their website is still up and makes no mention of their out-of-business status.

Popularity: 3%

Smooch Going Out Of Bussiness Follow Up Pictures, 50% Off Everything

In a follow up to yesterday’s article about Smooch’s eventual closing, I stopped by to take a picture of the storefront.  The follow note was also posted on the door:

Popularity: 1%

Mark & Jane’s Place (South African Cuisine) Closes

Word on the street has it that Mark and Jane have moved back to South Africa, resulting in the closure of their short lived restaurant in Woodland Hills’ west end.  Earlier last week I had walked by the restaurant to check it out, but wasn’t quite in the mood to try something so outside my comfort zone.  Sadly, I now fear I will never get the chance.  If I hear any news or if the restaurant reopens I will let you guys know.

Popularity: 1%

Le Bon’s Going Out of Business Note

I stopped by Le Bon late this afternoon and was able to take a picture of their “Farewell” note:

Popularity: 1%

Le Bon Bakery Closes Its Doors

A reader and friend to the blog writes in:

FYI the Le Bon Bakery closed. It’s kinda sad, but since the real french baker left a few months ago, it hasn’t been the same from when I remember.

I only popped in on Le Bon once or twice for some very basic cookies and such.  I had read on sites like Yelp that when it was sold last year it pretty much went right in the toilet.

UPDATE: Here is a picture of their farewell note.

Popularity: 1%