Phil Rosenthal's Happy Place... Comes With Fries
LOS ANGELES - Phil Rosenthal, the renowned food travel show host, has opened a new diner in his Los Angeles neighborhood, Max Helens, named after his late parents. The restaurant is located on Larchmont Boulevard, a short distance from Rosenthal's longtime home in Hancock Park.
According to eyewitnesses, Rosenthal was photographed at the diner on August 25 by Shelby Moore. Rosenthal has been traveling the world for over a decade, shooting food travel shows for PBS and Netflix, but his own neighborhood has started to feel like everywhere else, with affluent local mom-and-pop retailers being replaced by global chains.
"I'm doing it for the community, but it's also selfish that I'm building this thing," Rosenthal said in an interview. "I'm going to be here every single day that I'm in Los Angeles."
The diner is part of a larger effort by Rosenthal to preserve the character of his neighborhood. He has expressed concerns about the loss of local businesses and the homogenization of the area.
"This has been a wonderful kind of Mayberry, and it's losing its character," Rosenthal said on a recent stroll along Larchmont Boulevard. "I'm not here to make money. I'd like to not lose money. But this is just something that I feel needs to be done."
Background research reveals that the Larchmont Village area has undergone significant changes in recent years, with many local businesses being replaced by upscale chain stores and restaurants.
Rosenthal's decision to open a diner in the area has been met with both excitement and skepticism from locals. Some have expressed concerns about the impact on the neighborhood's character, while others see it as a welcome addition to the community.
The current status of Max Helens is that it is now open for business, serving classic American fare, including fries. Rosenthal plans to be involved in the diner on a daily basis and has stated that he hopes to make it a hub for the local community.
In conclusion, Phil Rosenthal's new diner, Max Helens, is an effort by the food travel show host to preserve the character of his Los Angeles neighborhood. With its focus on classic American cuisine and commitment to community involvement, the diner is poised to become a staple in the area.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*
