NORMS, a historic and legendary diner in Los Angeles since 1957, is at risk for eviction, and we need your help to save it!

Here's a bit of a backstory. Raising Cane’s bought the building for $16 million in 2021, and became the property's landlord - now it appears they are trying to evict NORMS to replace with a Raising Cane's location.

NORMS is such an important part of LA history. Unfortunately, as time progresses, it seems that we keep losing a lot of historic buildings in LA - making it harder and harder to preserve its history. According to the NORMS website, their location on La Cienega Boulevard opened in 1957, making it their longest operating restaurant location. Not many of the authentic diners from the 50s or 60s still exist, so this NORMS location is a treasure, and such an important part of LA history.

Not to mention, if NORMS does get evicted, many people will lose their jobs.

This isn't the first time this NORMS location has faced troubles. Back in 2015, this location was feared to be demolished. Thankfully, it was spared, and declared a historic monument, meaning the beautiful building legally can't be demolished. Even so, NORMS was designed as a coffee shop, not a fast food restaurant, so Raising Cane's is sure to alter its appearance drastically. 

Would a Raising Cane's restaurant be profitable in this location? Probably. But at what cost? Ruining a 67-year-old legacy to build a fast food restaurant (even though there are already locations in North Hollywood and Burbank)? Removing an important part of LA history? This just isn't worth it. Raising Cane's has the money and can build anywhere - please don't let them take this charming diner away. 

Besides the historic preservation aspect, if this becomes a Raising Cane's location, it will increase traffic PROFUSELY on La Cienega Boulevard.

NORMS, along with many other historic buildings, are part of what shaped Los Angeles - and one of the many reasons why this city is so great. Please stop Raising Cane's from destroying a 67-year-old legacy.

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HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP - ATTEND CHC HEARING ON 12/05 IN-PERSON OR SEND AN EMAIL (Taken Directly from Esotouric Secret Los Angeles's Website):

On Thursday 12/5 at 10am, fans of this cultural, architectural and community landmark are urged to attend the Cultural Heritage Commission hearing in person at City Hall, or call/Zoom in, to make public comment letting the CHC and Raising Cane’s corporate know what this 67-year-old legacy business in its landmark Googie style building means to them, and how losing NORMS would make them feel. 

To participate in the Cultural Heritage Commission Hearing, see the agenda with full instructions HERE. 

If attending IN-PERSON, City Hall is at 200 N Spring Street, but you enter on the Main Street side. Leave time to go through security. The meeting is held in room 1010, beginning at 10am.

Comments will be limited to one minute, so we recommend writing it down, timing yourself and reading from a script. If making comment in person, fill in a speaker’s card when you arrive in room 1010 and you’ll be called on by name.

If making comment by Zoom or phone, see the agenda link, then follow the instructions when item #4 is called.

If sending an EMAIL, keep it under two pages. Please send ASAP. You don't have to live in LA to send an email. Let them know why NORMS should stay and what LA history means to you!

To: chc@lacity.org

Subject: Item #4: NORM’S LA CIENEGA COFFEE SHOP, HCM #1090

Address It: “Dear Cultural Heritage Commissioners...”

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Please consider signing and sharing this petition. We must save NORM's - it is a vital and important part of LA history.

Click HERE to learn more about history of NORMS.

Click HERE to read an article about this situation written by the LA Times.