Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill, a Los Angeles dive bar that gained national attention for its vocal opposition to COVID-19 restrictions, is facing closure after nearly 50 years. The establishment received a 60-day notice to vacate its Sherman Oaks location on Aug. 6, reportedly to make way for redevelopment.
The bar, a fixture since 1978 and officially designated a City of Los Angeles Legacy Business, must be cleared out by Oct. 6. Owner Angela Marsden told the California Post that the eviction notice came as a surprise, despite previous assurances from property owners. Other small businesses in the same strip mall also received similar notices, with the adjacent In-N-Out Burger appearing to be the only remaining tenant.
Marsden, who previously crowdfunded over $185,000 to survive the pandemic-related closures after spending tens of thousands to create an outdoor dining space, expressed that the eviction feels like a betrayal. She stated that the developer, Blumax Partners, has not responded to her inquiries about a new lease or relocation. "I just don't have a lot of money left. Obviously, we're a pub. We've been through everything," Marsden said, adding that she earns less than $60,000 annually and does the work because she loves her community.
The closure will impact Marsden's 16 employees, some of whom have worked at the saloon since it opened. Marsden cited the current economic climate in Los Angeles, including rising commercial rents and permitting challenges, as making relocation financially impossible. She noted that seven other long-standing eateries in the area have closed within the past three weeks, questioning the viability for any establishment not catering to the wealthy.
In a last-ditch effort, Marsden launched a Change.org petition seeking at least 5,000 signatures to pressure landlords into negotiations or to advocate for commercial rent protections for historic businesses. The petition currently has over 1,100 signers.
Regulars describe Pineapple Hill as an irreplaceable refuge and a vital community hub. "This is a wonderful community," said David Sax, a patron of over 25 years who prefers the bar's older style. For Alexandra Moser, who has frequented the bar for over a decade, it was a rare safe space where she felt comfortable as a woman dining alone. The bar also served as a popular gathering spot for transplanted fans, including an official game-day hub for the Minnesota Vikings.
Marsden has launched a new GoFundMe campaign, "Save Pineapple Hill: Help Us Fight Or Find A New Home," to raise funds for legal assistance and to explore options for returning to the site or relocating. The campaign has raised approximately $2,392 of its $9,000 goal.
The redevelopment project, according to Los Angeles City Planning documents, involves "exterior facade and storefront remodel of existing one and two story shopping center and restripping of parking lot."