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It’s been around four months since we first got word that the first Downtown LA Pinkberry was to open in the Japanese Cultural Center Plaza in Little Tokyo, and there are still no signs that work is progressing at all at the controversial (not so much) frozen yogurt location.

Pinkberry as it appeared in early June. It hasn’t changed since then. Click image for larger view.

An e-mailed inquiry returned the following fairly quickly from a Pinkberry operative:

“We have no idea when that location will open. The reason for this is because we never know when the city officials will give us our permits that allow us to operate. If anything we hope to announce it as soon as we have the date. Please sign up for the groupie corner of the website as you will receive an automated email whenever there is a new store opening.”

So it seems that Pinkberry is a victim of the various city bureaucracies and red tape that generally hold back business in Los Angeles. Whatever your views on the frozen yogurt or Pinkberry specifically, it’s unfortunate that a successful local business can be held up for so long for something as simple as permit issues. This is a story that is too often repeated in this city.

Of course, I haven’t heard both sides of the issue, though maybe this should be the first area the mayor should focus on in his just-released “business revamp” plan.

Is it just me, or has it become trendy to hate on Pinkberry lately? I still think it’s better than any other frozen yogurt I’ve had in the city. At least we have Piccomolo.

UPDATE: Eater LA has received some info from someone who received some info from someone that Pinkberry will be opening next week, possibly by Wednesday. They also refer to me as a “Downtown watcher,” which sounds kind of creepy. Nonetheless, I hope they’re right!

-“Groupie Corner” of Pinkberry’s site. Sign up to receive e-mails of new store openings, general Pinkberry news, and promotions.