The Musso & Frank Grill, a Hollywood institution since 1919, is contending with a significant increase in homelessness and visible trash along the famed Walk of Fame, impacting the dining experience for patrons seeking a connection to the area's past.
Diners hoping for a taste of old Hollywood at the iconic restaurant are instead greeted by a growing homelessness problem and scattered trash near its front door. Photos depict individuals experiencing homelessness on sidewalks and couches, a sight now frequently observed along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The aftermath of the pandemic has exacerbated a homelessness crisis, leaving the corridor significantly altered and contributing to the closure of many local businesses.
Musso & Frank Grill, which has weathered events like the Great Depression, World War II, and the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces the challenge of a declining tourism industry. Visit California reported an approximate 8% decrease in international travel compared to the previous year, with business owners and vendors in Hollywood suggesting the area has been disproportionately affected.
Tour guides and vendors have noted negative reactions from first-time visitors. Robert Daniel Fernández, who creates custom Walk of Fame stars, estimates a 50% drop in tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels, with only a slight uptick recently attributed to the World Cup.
This deterioration is not solely affecting businesses. Residents also express frustration over what they perceive as neglect from Los Angeles city officials regarding the upkeep of Hollywood.
Dylan Kendall, a 30-year resident, described the situation as "one of our country's great shames," expressing a sentiment that the area has become perpetually run-down.
While the interior of Musso & Frank Grill may still evoke the glamour of old Hollywood, many are concerned that the boulevard itself is losing its celebrated allure.