Norms Restaurant Opening In Canoga Park Taking Over Old Bob Smith BMW Dealership
[Update August 25, 2015]: Norms sold this property to 7050 Topanga Holdings LLC on December 30, 2014 for $4,150,000 giving Norms a $650K profit after buying in 2012. The LLC links back to a law firm in Los Angeles so dont know who the true owner is. Although I have heard the same rumors as others that this will become a Starbucks but nothing has been confirmed.
[Original Post]:
According to a public hearing notice from the LA Dept. of City Planning, Norms Restaurant has requested a conditional use permit to change the operating hours from 7 A.M. to 11 P.M. to 24 hours at 7050 Topanga Canyon Blvd which means that Norm's is trying to convert the old Bob Smith BMW dealership to a Norms Restaurant.
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| Image courtesy Autohistorian Flickr |
Oddly enough, Bob Smith originally purchased this property in 1978 as the sole BMW franchisee for the West SFV which used to be a Burger Chef. So its come full circle for this location to return to its original roots. Although, I am still curious on the transformation of the dealership back to a 24 hour restaurant. I wonder if the kitchen hookups still remain. Eventually, Bob Smith outgrew the facilities (or sought better clientele) and moved to Calabasas in 2004.
A review of property records show that the Robert A. Smith, Inc along with the Michael and Patricia Smith Family Trust (which I am assuming is related back to Bob Smith) sold this property to Norms Restaurant and Norms La Cienga on November 8, 2012 for $3.5 million. So it looks like Norms has been planning a restaurant at this location for quite some time and should definitely be opening a Norms since they also own the land.
A review of property records show that the Robert A. Smith, Inc along with the Michael and Patricia Smith Family Trust (which I am assuming is related back to Bob Smith) sold this property to Norms Restaurant and Norms La Cienga on November 8, 2012 for $3.5 million. So it looks like Norms has been planning a restaurant at this location for quite some time and should definitely be opening a Norms since they also own the land.
I am still debating on whether I will continue visiting the original Norms in Van Nuys with its signature Googie architecture or take the shorter drive down Topanga. I guess it depends on the wait time, hopefully the Canoga Park restaurant has more seating.
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Marty Mcfly
Anything and everything about the San Fernando Valley. This blog will take you back in time when the valley was covered with dirt and orange groves to a leader in the space race to its current status as America's suburb. Come along and join me on this adventure, I guarantee you have been influenced/impacted by the San Fernando Valley in one form or another even if you have never visited or heard of the SFV.
When is it opening?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea. Norms is currently waiting for approval for the hours change from the city. Depending on the amount of work needed to renovate the buildings, this could be a few months out.
ReplyDeleteBad area. Not a good idea to be open 24 hours in my opinion. CPA gang runs around there. A ton of latino immigrants. I can see why Bob Smith BMW moved out of that area.
ReplyDeleteThe original plan was to develop into a Norms but it looks that project is faded as I heard this site will become a shopping plaza but I am not 100% sure. As you can see, almost 1 year has passed with no activity so there seems to be some sort of delay with the project.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in what it currently looks like, here's an aerial view: https://aerial.live/bji2l/
ReplyDelete