Hollywood Hotspot Horses Announces Comeback After Scandal, Closure

Horses, a popular Hollywood restaurant that closed its doors in 2025, has announced plans to reopen at a new location on the Sunset Strip. The establishment, once a celebrity hotspot, faced significant challenges including financial difficulties and a public divorce scandal involving its founding chef-owners.

Initially opening in 2021, Horses quickly became one of Los Angeles's most sought-after dining destinations, attracting notable figures such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Jeff Bezos, and Will Ferrell. Praised for its cuisine, which blended French brasserie influences with seasonal California fare, the restaurant garnered critical acclaim.

However, in May 2023, co-chef-owners Liz Johnson and Will Aghajanian were embroiled in a contentious divorce. Court documents revealed allegations of domestic assault and animal abuse by Aghajanian, claims he vehemently denied, countersuing with accusations of abuse against Johnson. Both parties eventually settled their legal disputes and exited the business.

Following their departure, chef Brittany Ha, in collaboration with her husband Lee Pallerino, took over the kitchen's leadership. They continued to operate the restaurant despite a decline in private event revenue and persistent reputational damage. The restaurant officially closed in 2025, citing structural issues from heavy rain that necessitated temporary repairs and building maintenance.

Adding to its troubles, the restaurant's parent company, Horses Holdings LLC, faced nearly $530,000 in State of California tax liens in December 2025. Despite these setbacks, the restaurant's social media announced its imminent return: "Coming back to a new home on the Sunset Strip."