panini cafe lights up a street
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Signage and classy new patio seating for the upcoming Panini Cafe has made an impact on the Skyline Condominiums at the corner of 9th and Hope, directly across from Ralph’s Fresh Fare.
Retail space on this side of Skyline has sat dormant for a few years, as rumors circulated that the developer was holding out for an upscale eatery once Ralphs opened up across the street.
As final exterior work on the new restaurant continues, the signage and sidewalk improvements — complete with heat lamps, iron railing and polished slate flooring — has brought a fresh touch not just to the residential tower, but also to south side of 9th street which lacks pedestrian appeal.
Coming from Ralph’s, onlookers last night stopped and starred at the new bright and powerful signage installed this weekend. Unlike other new restaurants where signage is quite poor, like that of Tranquility Base and Seven Restaurant & Bar, Panini Cafe stands out.
As reported earlier, the owner originally expected to open the first week of June, however according to construction crews on site day, progress is a couple weeks behind schedule. Expect opening by the end of the month.
But, even before it opens, the inviting new storefront is definitely a sight to be proud of in South Park.
-two more restaurant openings kick off a busy june
-panini cafe to resurrect skyline condominiums retail
Out-dated retail space before upgrades
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15 comments
Thanks for mentioning the poor signage at 7 restaurant. It’s really unfortunate that an establishment as upscale and pricey as 7 can’t manage to put up a decent sign. What they have now looks incredibly cheap not to mention non-descript. Also, will Tranquility Base ever get an actual sign?
I think presence on the street is the single most important thing for downtonw right now (LA in general). Casual visitors have to “see” the change with their own eyes. 7 restaurant should be ashamed, but luckily for it, there are 3 other restaurants building out on the same block giving a critical mass to that pocket of DT.
In 7 restaurant’s defense, they can’t open to the street too much yet, because that area isn’t as “pleasant” at night as South Park. They could make a really really flashy sign though!
Tranquility Base should get a clue from Panini Cafe…That’s how a restaurant should look like outside. I don’t know what they were thinking. It’s almost as if they don’t want people to find out where they are.
Admit it or not, people wanna see and be seen especially if it’s some upscale restaurant that Tranquility wants to be.
This summer, it would be so good to lounge outside at Panini Cafe and watch foot and even car traffic…gives you such an urban feel…you won’t get that from Tranquility Base….hopefully they get a clue and replace those damned frosted glass fence with a clear one….and actually put the entrance out front and not on the side.
Regarding Tranquility Base, the owner is actually working out potential signage possibilities. One idea is to project the restaurant’s name on the north wall above the patio - an idea I really like. Another idea I heard from a TB employee is to large place letters on the glass patio wall panes.
Tranquility Base appears to have been shooting for an ‘exclusive’ environment. It appears they achieved this goal. It is so exclusive that no one goes. Restaurant/bar owners need to realize the whole modern and VIP thing is getting outdated. Friendly urban atmosphere will do more to gain customers. I live right across the street from there and surprised they have done no direct marketing/discounts for neighbors. Meanwhile the place site nearly empty most nights.
TG:
I’m a big fan of TB, and in Dave’s (the owner) defense, he was going for a “tranquil” environment. Yes, the wall may not have been the best idea to achieve that, but the restaurant very neighborhood friendly in my opinion.
I actually drove by TB for months and never realized what it was. It took me a long time to realize this was the place which Rich/Stephen had been writing about.
David and Kelly, brother and sister owners of Tranquility Base, are very committed to being a part of the neighborhood. I have not yet met two more hospitable restaurateurs. If you go, make a point of telling them you live in the neighborhood and they will tell you all they are doing to make their place your backyard away from home.
I would urge those that know the owners to work with them on getting more locals in there. I think it would be great to see more people enjoying the patio there. I was surprised to see this on their website:
The long-term success of this distinctive venture will be achieved by repeat clientele, through a unique incentive program that rewards frequent visits and the amount spent per visit. Guests will be encouraged to participate in a comprehensive “membership program” in order to build loyalty through a sense of community. ”
I have been there numerous times, and heard no mention of it. Possibly mailing this notice to those in the neighborhoods with a decent coupon may be a good place to start.
A glass wall might be a little strange. The have couches out there not patio tables. I don’t mind the frosted glass
Tranquility Base is expensive. I wouldn’t go back unless they lowered their prices and increased their portion size. I just want to sit the owners of these new restaurants down and tell them four things:
1) all “new downtowners” aren’t milllionaires
2) South Park is not an suburb of Brentwood
3) the tapas and small plates trend is ending
4) be nice, or at least pretend to be nice, to your customers
I have been to TB and made a comment about the frosted glass wall to the owner, and it’s been discussed many times over on this blog, but I guess he just wont listen to what customers are saying…
I will repeat what has been stated above. The glass walls blocking the outside world doesn’t work…it really just makes the whole place look less inviting. The glass walls need to be replaced by something where people can sit and look out, and vice versa. This can be railings, clear glass, or nothing at all.
Also, the “mood” colored lighting inside does not look good or feel high class. My wife has repeatedly stated how “tacky and dated” the place looks. The place looks like it was made for the late 90’s party scene in Vegas.
Lastly, what is the deal with the name Tranquility Base? I realize the owner’s are going for a tranquil environment, but that name is not inviting at all. It sounds like the place is trying to bite off more than it can chew. I understand the moonscape and moon landing theme, but you don’t have to name it TB. I suggest a complete rehabbing of the outdoor patio, lighting, and name in order to turn this ship around. Otherwise, it’s going to be an uphill battle for these owners. Additionally, the food and drink have to kick butt consistently. There have been mixed reviews of the food since opening.
If my comments sound harsh, they are not meant to be mean. I just want this place and businesses to succeed in South Park. Please take these comments with others and think about them. They are meant to be constructive. Thanks.
I was at Ralphs tonight and as I was walking home, I made a happy discovery. I realized this restaurant wraps around the corner. The cafe actually opens onto Hope Street as well. There is another small patio on this side. There is now a fine awning announcing “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner”.
I have a question regarding permit delays. When these restaurants get delayed by the “efficiency” of county inspectors and cannot begin to break ground, is the tenant responsible for the rent? I am looking to start a restaurant but am a bit concerned with this issue. Thanks in advance for any responses.
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