In a region as vast as Los Angeles, bars and restaurants serve a crucial civic function, providing “third spaces” for people to gather and crucial sources of employment for everyone from celebrity chefs to bussers and dishwashers. L.A. restaurants have earned Michelin stars, developed loyal followings, and influenced entire culinary movements. And yet, many of them are in peril. Meanwhile, storefronts—including those in newer mixed-use developments— sit empty in many neighborhoods across the Westside, each one a void where Angelenos might otherwise gather, break bread, or raise a glass.
This month, WUF will explore the economic and policy challenges facing restaurants, bars, the property owners who host them, and the property owners who might want to host them. We’ll discuss how the challenges of making rent and building out kitchens and dining rooms compound upon the time and money operators must spend to get permits and, in some cases, battle the very neighbors whom they hope to welcome. And, we’ll discuss ways that cities are protomting—and neglecting—these crucial civic institutions.
Panelists
David Houston – Owner/Operator, Barney’s Beanery and Q’s Billiard Club
Daniel Neman – Co-Founder and Principal, RYDA
Zachry Card – First Vice President, CBRE
Laura Biery – Director of Economic Development, West Hollywood
Moderator
Tricia La Belle — President, Greater Los Angeles Hospitality Association
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Helms Design Center
7:45 am - 9:30 am PDT
Panel from 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Doors open at 7:45 for registration, breakfast and networking.
In a region as vast as Los Angeles, bars and restaurants serve a crucial civic function, providing “third spaces” for people to gather and crucial sources of employment for everyone from celebrity chefs to bussers and dishwashers. L.A. restaurants have earned Michelin stars, developed loyal followings, and influenced entire culinary movements. And yet, many of them are in peril. Meanwhile, storefronts—including those in newer mixed-use developments— sit empty in many neighborhoods across the Westside, each one a void where Angelenos might otherwise gather, break bread, or raise a glass.
This month, WUF will explore the economic and policy challenges facing restaurants, bars, the property owners who host them, and the property owners who might want to host them. We’ll discuss how the challenges of making rent and building out kitchens and dining rooms compound upon the time and money operators must spend to get permits and, in some cases, battle the very neighbors whom they hope to welcome. And, we’ll discuss ways that cities are protomting—and neglecting—these crucial civic institutions.
Panelists
David Houston – Owner/Operator, Barney’s Beanery and Q’s Billiard Club
Daniel Neman – Co-Founder and Principal, RYDA
Zachry Card – First Vice President, CBRE
Laura Biery – Director of Economic Development, West Hollywood
Moderator
Tricia La Belle — President, Greater Los Angeles Hospitality Association
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Helms Design Center
7:45 am - 9:30 am PDT
Panel from 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Doors open at 7:45 for registration, breakfast and networking.
In a region as vast as Los Angeles, bars and restaurants serve a crucial civic function, providing “third spaces” for people to gather and crucial sources of employment for everyone from celebrity chefs to bussers and dishwashers. L.A. restaurants have earned Michelin stars, developed loyal followings, and influenced entire culinary movements. And yet, many of them are in peril. Meanwhile, storefronts—including those in newer mixed-use developments— sit empty in many neighborhoods across the Westside, each one a void where Angelenos might otherwise gather, break bread, or raise a glass.
This month, WUF will explore the economic and policy challenges facing restaurants, bars, the property owners who host them, and the property owners who might want to host them. We’ll discuss how the challenges of making rent and building out kitchens and dining rooms compound upon the time and money operators must spend to get permits and, in some cases, battle the very neighbors whom they hope to welcome. And, we’ll discuss ways that cities are protomting—and neglecting—these crucial civic institutions.
Panelists
David Houston – Owner/Operator, Barney’s Beanery and Q’s Billiard Club
Daniel Neman – Co-Founder and Principal, RYDA
Zachry Card – First Vice President, CBRE
Laura Biery – Director of Economic Development, West Hollywood
Moderator
Tricia La Belle — President, Greater Los Angeles Hospitality Association