Keeping Altadena’s Small Businesses Alive, One Meal at a Time

El Patron Restaurant (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

Having survived months-long remediation closures after the Eaton Fire, Altadena’s still-standing mom n’ pop businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water.

By Melissa Michelson

Whether it’s 30+-year-old Nancy’s Greek Bakery and Restaurant, which had to wait to reopen until water service was restored, or 99-year-old Webster’s Pharmacy, which moved down the street to avoid higher rent, or the countless individuals running home-based businesses while trying to rebuild their houses and recoup lost equipment and income, the bottom line is this: with their steady customer base absent from the area, it’s hard to stay in the black. That’s where the greater community can step in.

Community Support: The Backbone of Altadena’s Resilience

Brooke Lohman-Janz, a seven-year resident of Altadena who is in the process of saving a historic home from demolition and relocating it to her lot, was initially excited to hear that El Patron Mexican Restaurant was back in business. But about a month later, she learned they were struggling to make ends meet.

She decided to start The Altadena Dining Club to help bring more customer support to Altadena’s local eateries.

“Altadena’s got some great restaurants, and we want to support everyone that’s still up there!” says Lohman-Janz. “I feel like people are starving for connection, so let’s take that connection to support these restaurants. The plan is to socialize and accomplish a goal together. “

The Altadena Dining Club will visit El Patron for their first gathering on Monday, June 30, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The Facebook invite reads, “The idea is to hang out with friends and neighbors, all while supporting one of our wonderful local businesses.”

The group plans to dine at a different restaurant each week and repeat the cycle. All are welcome, Lohman-Janz said, as long as there’s a commitment to order at least one entrée and a drink.

Local Businesses: The Heart of Altadena

The Eaton Fire devastated much of Altadena, and rebuilding will take time. But not everything has turned to ash. Local businesses remain essential to preserving the character of this bedroom community—one that has long been largely free of big-box stores and major chains.

Next time you need a haircut or want to get your nails done, head out for a date night or after-work happy hour, or just need to pick up some toothpaste, prescription medicine, or drop off dry cleaning—whether you make a special trip to Altadena or fold it into your weekly routine—the business community is ready to welcome you.

Need ideas? The Altadena Chamber of Commerce’s website lists member businesses by category. Google Maps and Yelp are also helpful resources.