A historic corner store in Los Angeles's Venice neighborhood has undergone a significant renovation, reopening as Bodega & Palms with an upscale, boutique-style market. The century-old building, home to a neighborhood market since 1935, was previously known as Mitchell's Little Market.
The new owners, Phil and Kaila Neuville, who purchased the market in 2021, aimed to preserve its legacy while modernizing the space. The roughly 800-square-foot market now features skylights, exposed ceilings, and a fresh aesthetic. The owners have stated plans to include a mural honoring the store's past, including former owner Mr. Woo and Mitchell's. The shop now offers prepared foods from local vendors, specialty drinks, and artisanal grocery items, including matcha, mesquite coffee, and soft-serve ice cream.
The transformation has ignited a debate among Venice residents. Many have welcomed the revival, sharing fond memories of the store from their childhoods. Some longtime residents recall visiting the market, then known by various names like Jack's, Gilbert's, and Mitchell's, for everyday essentials.
However, critics have voiced concerns that the renovation signifies further gentrification in the neighborhood. They argue that the loss of a practical convenience store has been replaced by a trendy destination, potentially diminishing the area's walkability and unique character. Comments on social media expressed a sentiment that original, locally-owned businesses are being displaced by rising rents and commercial changes.
The owners stated they promised Mr. Woo's family they would maintain the store's history, and the "little market since 1935" message on the building aims to acknowledge this. The reopened Bodega & Palms officially began serving customers on Wednesday.