Patrick’s Roadhouse Fights to Stay Open After COVID-19 Rent Struggle with Community Support

LOS ANGELES – After 50 years of business operations, iconic Santa Monica eatery Patrick’s Roadhouse has announced it will be closing down due to the accumulation of rent deferral payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by the diner’s management team, they have been struggling with limited revenue from takeout orders and were forced to shutter their doors after being hit with an enormous lump sum for back rent that came due at the end of the deferral period. Despite this setback, Patrick’s Roadhouse is determined to stay open as it works on securing a new long-term lease. The diner has requested community support in raising $250,000 through donations and by seeking out investors and loyal customers who have frequented the establishment over its five decades of operation.
The roadside restaurant opened back in 1973 and was often visited by high profile celebrities such as Johnny Carson, Lucille Ball, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Goldie Hawn throughout the years. In addition to attracting notable guests, Patrick’s Roadhouse has also garnered numerous accolades over its five-decade history including being named “Best Diner in California,” “Best Banana Cream Pie in USA”, as well as claiming top spot for “Best Diner” throughout the entire United States.
What makes this diner unique is not just its impressive list of awards and celebrity patrons, but also the quirky decor that adorns its rooftop. Dinosaurs, a bear, and even Albert Einstein can be found up there adding to Patrick’s Roadhouse’ distinctive charm. The restaurant was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”. Despite being faced with the daunting task of raising $250,000 in order to remain open for business as usual, Patrick’s Roadhouse has not lost its hope or spirit. They are actively seeking community support through donations on their GoFundMe campaign as well as via prospective investors and returning regular clients that have long been a part of the diner’s history over the past five decades.