Locol's Triumphant Comeback: Serving Soul Food and Empowering the Watts Community

After a prolonged hiatus, the landmark Watts restaurant Locol is set to make a grand return on August 8th, 2023. This highly anticipated reopening comes as a beacon of hope for the community, as the restaurant's new mission aims to address food insecurity and provide job training opportunities for local residents. Chefs and partners Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson have confirmed the restaurant's revival, marking a significant shift in Locol's approach to serving the Watts neighborhood.

Reviving a Community-Focused Vision

Embracing Soul Food and Nonprofit Model

In response to feedback from the Watts community, the revived Locol will shift its focus to serving a menu of soul food dishes. This strategic move aligns with the local residents' preferences and aims to provide familiar and comforting flavors. Furthermore, Locol will operate as a nonprofit under the umbrella of Alta Community, an incubator dedicated to addressing food insecurity and job training in Los Angeles.

Empowering the Local Workforce

Locol's new nonprofit model will serve as an outlet to hire and train workers from the local community. The restaurant will provide job opportunities and hands-on training, equipping these team members with the skills and experience needed to secure employment at other establishments. This approach not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the overall culinary ecosystem in the Watts area.

Envisioning a Sustainable Future

According to Alta Community's website, the duo of Corbin and Patterson eventually plans to open for-profit locations of Locol, with a portion of the ownership being held by its workers. This innovative model aims to create a sustainable and equitable business structure, where the community members who have contributed to Locol's success can directly benefit from its growth.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Watts

Locol's initial opening in 2016 was driven by a desire to serve healthy, affordable fast-food meals in the Watts neighborhood, which has long been impacted by food insecurity. The community has historically lacked access to grocery stores and fresh produce, with traditional fast-food chains and liquor stores becoming the primary sources of sustenance for many locals. Locol's return signifies a renewed commitment to addressing this critical issue and providing the Watts community with more nutritious and accessible food options.

Lessons Learned and a Renewed Vision

Locol's previous journey was not without its challenges. The restaurant faced a range of obstacles, from the now-infamous zero-star review by Pete Wells in the New York Times to the eventual closure of its locations in Oakland and Watts. However, the lessons learned from these experiences have shaped the restaurant's new direction. By pivoting to a nonprofit model and focusing on soul food dishes that resonate with the local community, Locol aims to create a sustainable and impactful presence in Watts.

Honoring the Legacy and Embracing the Future

As Locol prepares to reopen in its original space, the restaurant's return symbolizes a homecoming and a renewed commitment to serving the community it has always intended to support. While co-founder Roy Choi will not be directly involved in this next iteration, his "spirit of generosity and caring" will continue to inspire the restaurant's mission and its dedication to empowering the Watts neighborhood.