L.A.'s Legacy Businesses
Explore unique places and stories associated with L.A.'s longtime businesses
StylesVille (2019) by M. Rosalind Sagara/L.A. ConservancyLos Angeles Conservancy
In 2019, the L.A. Conservancy launched a legacy business initiative to raise awareness about the important role longtime businesses have in Los Angeles County and to advocate for policy and programs that could help these important places thrive.
What is a legacy business?
Typically in operation for over twenty years, the business is a mainstay of a neighborhood.
The family-owned bakery down the street, the dry cleaners locals swear by, and the neighborhood's last single-screen theater. These familiar and beloved places are legacy businesses.
A legacy business may be housed in an older building, nondescript or architecturally significant.
Eastside Market Italian Deli (2020) by M. Rosalind Sagara/L.A. ConservancyLos Angeles Conservancy
The building may have been altered over time to adapt to changing business needs.
Lenchita's (2023) by Rico MandelLos Angeles Conservancy
In 2023, Lenchita's transformed unused space in their building into a new commercial ghost kitchen, which is now helping their family business (and other entrepreneurs!) thrive.
El Paraiso by Rico Mandel and 2023Los Angeles Conservancy
A legacy business is important because it creates a sense of place, culture and belonging for customers and neighbors.
Some businesses like Hop Woo in Chinatown are open every day for every occasion.
Gosei, fifth-generation manager Dane Ishibashi shares how his family's longtime gift shop Bunkado in Little Tokyo has focused on showcasing and selling work from local artisans of Japanese ancestry.
Though new owner Mamoru Tokuda is now at Kouraku’s helm, the restaurant's culinary traditions remain and this longstanding restaurant still feels like home.
Candelas Guitars (2023) by Rico MandelLos Angeles Conservancy
For over 70 years, family-owned Candelas Guitars in Boyle Heights has been creating handcrafted guitars and violins, each their own work of art.
Hear why time and tradition matter at Candelas Guitars.
88 Gifts (2023) by Rico MandelLos Angeles Conservancy
Unfortunately, many legacy businesses are not fully appreciated for what they provide to communities, with an increasing number of them at risk due to impacts from the pandemic, soaring rents, development pressures, and lack of succession plans.
Avalon Nursery and Ceramics (2023) by Rico MandelLos Angeles Conservancy
Before big box stores like The Home Depot opened in South Los Angeles, Maria Lopez provided her community access to nursery stock.
El Aguila Bakery (2023) by Rico MandelLos Angeles Conservancy
Legacy businesses like El Aguila Bakery support the community by giving back to local institutions such as schools and places of worship.
Legacy businesses depend on your loyalty and patronage to keep their doors open. Support a legacy business today! You can learn more about the L.A. Conservancy's Legacy Business Initiative here.
Want to tell us about your favorite longtime business in L.A. County? rsagara@laconservancy.org
Written by M. Rosalind Sagara. Rosalind is the Neighborhood Outreach Manager with the Los Angeles Conservancy.
