The Pacific Palisades fire isn’t only ravaging the homes of the wealthy and famous, but also taking down some of the area’s top restaurants.
On Tuesday, The Reel Inn in Malibu was engulfed in flames.
This iconic seaside eatery was well-known for being featured on popular TV shows such as The Chew and Man vs. Food.
Celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, Jerry Seinfeld, and Michelle Pfeiffer were frequent diners at The Reel Inn.
In the Pacific Palisades, several notable establishments have been reduced to ashes, including Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio, Cafe Vida, Vittorio, and Casa Nostra in the village.
A ranch in the area that once housed a Beverly Hills museum dedicated to actor Will Rogers has also been lost to the flames.
The historic Topanga Ranch Motel, located along the Pacific Coast Highway and once owned by William Randolph Hearst, is now gone.
At risk is Giorgio Baldi, a high-end Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, often frequented by Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, as well as Kim and Khloé Kardashian. The restaurant is known for its classic selection of wines, pasta, and salads in an intimate setting.
Multiple fires continue to devastate the city, destroying homes and businesses, and the death toll is expected to climb. Amid the chaos, there are increasing demands for city and state officials to step down due to their handling of the disaster.
Duke’s Malibu, a favorite spot for Pamela Anderson and her sons, is also at risk of being consumed by the flames. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway for decades, it is now in jeopardy.
Another iconic site under threat is the Mt. Wilson Observatory in Angeles National Forest, as the Eaton fire moved closer on Thursday afternoon. The region has been ordered to evacuate.
“The fire has reached the mountaintop, and firefighters are working to protect the observatory and the broadcast antenna,” said Tim Thompson, a volunteer with the Mt. Wilson Institute, which manages the site.
Locals describe the fire as nothing short of epic, resembling something from a disaster movie. Several celebrities, including Anna Faris, Heidi Montag, Miles Teller, Paris Hilton, John Goodman, Anthony Hopkins, and Leighton Meester, have lost their homes to the devastating blaze.
Gladstones
Malibu’s historic beachside restaurant, Gladstones, has been destroyed in the fire.
This legendary establishment, located along the Pacific Coast Highway next to the Pacific Ocean, was a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Known for its seafood, steaks, bar bites, and classic cocktails, Gladstones offered a lively atmosphere and became a popular spot for networking.
The original Gladstones was founded by Robert J. Morris in Santa Monica Canyon in 1972 and relocated to its beachside location at 17300 Pacific Coast Highway in 1981. Morris sold the restaurant in 1984, only to buy it back in 1990.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan owned Gladstones from the mid-1990s onward. In 2009, the private company SBE took over daily operations through a management contract with Riordan, which ended in 2014.
Malibu’s Reel Inn
The 36-year-old Reel Inn in Malibu, a cherished spot for both locals and celebrities, has been destroyed in the ongoing Pacific Palisades wildfire, leaving the Malibu community devastated.
Stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Paris Hilton were regulars at the restaurant, drawn to its unpretentious charm and vibrant atmosphere. The Reel Inn also gained wider recognition after being featured on popular TV shows such as The Chew and Man vs. Food.
Owners Teddy and Andy Leonard confirmed the restaurant’s destruction through an Instagram post, expressing their heartbreak and uncertainty about what remains of the beloved spot.
Therese ‘Teddy’ Leonard, 70, and her husband Andy, 76, have run the iconic Malibu restaurant for nearly four decades. On Tuesday, the couple could only watch helplessly as the Pacific Palisades fire ravaged their business, observing the chaos through their security cameras as the flames engulfed the landmark.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Therese ‘Teddy’ Leonard spoke emotionally about the loss of the Reel Inn, saying, “I guess it just knocked the wind out of us – we couldn’t breathe. It was unthinkable.”
Her husband, Andy, had owned the restaurant for 36 years, and many of their 21 employees had been with them for over 30 years. Leonard shared the deep impact of the devastation, adding that it felt surreal to lose something so deeply ingrained in their lives.
Photos from DailyMail.com show how the once vibrant eatery has been reduced to rubble, with only sheets of corrugated iron remaining from the roof, a stark reminder of the destructive force of the wildfire that ravaged Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
Nearby, the historic Topanga Ranch Motel, once owned by politician and newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, was also flattened. The Rosenthal Wine Bar and Cholada Thai restaurant, both nearby, were similarly destroyed.
Much like its neighboring businesses, the Reel Inn had a devoted following of locals and celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jerry Seinfeld. Hunter Biden, who had a $4 million Malibu rental home nearby, also saw his property destroyed in the blaze.
“We have many people who say, ‘Oh, I went on my first date with my wife there,’ or ‘We got engaged there.’ ‘It was our favorite place,'” Therese ‘Teddy’ Leonard shared with DailyMail.com, reflecting on the personal significance the Reel Inn held for so many.
She continued, “In fact, even Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned when she took office that the Reel Inn was where she met her stepchildren with Doug Emhoff for the first time.”
Now, with the restaurant in ruins, Leonard and her family have been forced to evacuate to an Airbnb in Mar Vista, a neighborhood near Venice Beach.
Recalling past close calls, Leonard said, “We’ve been through this a few times with the restaurant over the years where the fire came right up to the building, and the firefighters fought it back, saved the restaurant, and we stayed open to feed people. That was sort of our routine.”
“We always feed the firefighters while they’re working,” Therese ‘Teddy’ Leonard shared, recounting the moments leading up to the destruction of the Reel Inn. “But this time, with the winds so bad, we told the crew to get out. The minute the firefighters showed up, our crew left. The last thing we saw on our cameras were the tablecloths on the deck in flames, and then our cameras went dead because the whole restaurant burned.”
Leonard also revealed that her home in Topanga Canyon was at risk, as fire crews fought to save properties in the area on Wednesday. “We evacuated last night,” she said. “We could see the flames, and the sky had turned red. It was moving very, very quickly.”
She added, “We’ve just heard that the fire is heading up Topanga Canyon Boulevard, so it doesn’t look good at the moment for our home.”
Despite the devastating loss, Leonard has found comfort in the outpouring of support and kind messages she and her husband have received from around the world since announcing the destruction of the Reel Inn. “We’ve had messages from all over the world,” she shared, touched by the support.
“The outpouring of love from the community and from our family and friends all around the globe has really touched my husband,” Therese ‘Teddy’ Leonard said, visibly moved. “We just keep looking at each other and saying, ‘We are so blessed and so lucky to have this much love coming to us.'”
Her immediate focus now is on supporting the 21 staff members who have been with the couple for years and working toward the eventual reopening of the restaurant.
To aid her employees, Leonard has started a GoFundMe campaign and has been in contact with California State Parks officials regarding the potential rebuild, as the Reel Inn sits on land that is part of the Topanga State Park.
“We got through COVID, and we’ve gotten through a lot worse with this amazing crew,” she said. “Our concern at the moment is for them because they live paycheck to paycheck, and we’re working on starting a GoFundMe for them.”
She added, “Our second concern is the rebuilding of the restaurant. It’s been a wonderful, wonderful era, and I’m hoping we get to rebuild it.”
Will Rogers Ranch
A ranch in the Pacific Palisades, which once hosted a Beverly Hills museum dedicated to the actor Will Rogers, has also been destroyed by the devastating fires.
Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, expressed the family’s grief in a statement to the Museums Association, saying, “The Rogers family is devastated by the loss of the California ranch and the overwhelming loss of the community. Our hearts go out to all those [neighbors] who have lost their homes.”
California State Parks also mourned the loss, with Director Armando Quintero stating, “California State Parks mourns the loss of these treasured natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area.”
In the mid-1930s, Will Rogers was one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. Starting in vaudeville with a trick roping act, he became a worldwide sensation as a columnist, “cowboy philosopher,” aviation enthusiast, philanthropist, radio personality, and movie star.
During the 1920s, Rogers purchased land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Over time, he came to own about 359 acres in what is now known as Pacific Palisades, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
At the time of his death in a plane crash in 1935, Will Rogers’ ranch featured a 31-room ranch house, guest housing, a stable, corrals, a golf course, and riding trails.
Following his passing, his widow, Betty, donated the property to State Parks in 1944, and it was transformed into a historic park, preserving the legacy of the beloved actor and his contributions to California’s cultural history.
Cafe Vida
The restaurant at Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village shopping center has closed its doors.
Café Vida, which offered a distinctive blend of low-fat California and Latin-inspired dishes, was celebrated for its unique and flavorful menu.
The café gained popularity for its salads and stuffed sandwiches, attracting loyal patrons.
Opening in 2002, it became a local favorite, with notable fans like Anthony Hopkins.
Casa Nostra
This Italian restaurant at Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village shopping center has been reduced to ashes.
Known for its authentic dishes, the cozy eatery was famous for its pumpkin tortellini and salmon with lemon capers.
Celebrity fans included Tobey Maguire’s ex, Jennifer Meyer, and model-turned-actress Molls Sims.
While the Palisades location is gone, there’s still another in Westlake Village, which remains intact.
Nearby, Caffe Luxxe Pacific Palisades was also destroyed.
Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio
A representative for the tasting room off PCH has confirmed that the wine bar was a casualty of the recent fires.
Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate Tasting Room, located just across from the beach in Malibu, CA, was a beloved spot.
Known for its casual atmosphere, the tasting room invited guests to explore and enjoy a full selection of Rosenthal and Surfrider wines.
It also featured food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays, offering an ocean view from its beautiful garden patio.
The venue hosted live bands and had the capacity to accommodate up to 300 people.
Topanga Ranch Motel
The Topanga Ranch Motel, once located on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway, has been destroyed.
Situated across from Topanga Beach in Malibu, the charming motel featured small casitas in white and maroon, evoking an Old West feel.
Rooms were surrounded by white picket fences, with eucalyptus trees casting their shade over the area.
Built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst, the bungalow-style motel had 30 rooms, originally housing Pacific Coast Highway construction workers.
For years, the motel served as an affordable seaside retreat for families and writers, and it was a popular location for films and television shows. In 2001, State Parks acquired the property, and recent plans were underway to restore about 20 cabins for public use.
Vittorio Ristorante
Located in the heart of Pacific Palisades, Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria was a beloved gem that stood out in the community.
Unfortunately, the venue was destroyed in the recent fire.
Catering to locals, the restaurant was known for its friendly staff and high-quality food.
The old-fashioned menu featured classics like lasagna, fettucine alfredo, Caesar salad, and a variety of meats, all complemented by an impressive wine selection.
The ambiance was reminiscent of a charming Sicilian eatery, transporting guests to Italy.
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were among the celebrity patrons, and Ted McGinley of Shrinking had been spotted attending a New Year’s Eve party there just last week.
Vittorio was established in 1984 and was family owned.
Nobu Malibu
Nobu Malibu is also under threat from the ongoing wildfires, putting one of the most celebrity-favored dining spots not only in Malibu but across the entire country at risk.
The Kardashian family is a regular presence at Nobu, joined by other notable figures like Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Lori Harvey, and Sofía Vergara, who have all celebrated birthdays and special occasions there.
Even on ordinary days, celebrities such as Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria and David Beckham, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Angelina Jolie are frequently seen savoring the restaurant’s world-class cuisine.
Malibu Pier
The Malibu Pier, another beloved landmark, is also at risk of destruction due to the wildfires currently sweeping through the area.
Constructed in 1905, the pier has long stood as a symbol of Malibu’s relaxed coastal way of life for more than a century.
Following extensive restoration in recent years, the pier has once again become a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists, offering picturesque views and popular spots like the Malibu Farm Café.
Celebrities often visit the pier for a laid-back afternoon, whether they’re dining or simply soaking in the breathtaking ocean views.
Cholada Thai
Cholada Thai, the popular Thai restaurant neighboring The Reel Inn, has also reportedly been destroyed in the wildfire.
Renowned for its laid-back beachside ambiance and delectable Asian cuisine, Cholada Thai was a beloved spot for both locals and celebrities.
LeAnn Rimes, Cindy Crawford, and Rande Gerber were just a few of the famous faces who frequently dined at Cholada Thai, savoring its signature dishes and oceanfront views.
The destruction of this cherished restaurant adds to the growing devastation affecting Malibu.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier, a cherished landmark and one of California’s most iconic attractions, is now under threat from the wildfires ravaging the area.
Opened in 1909, the pier has been a symbol of nostalgia and entertainment for over a century, featuring its historic Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and lively boardwalk.
Throughout the years, the Santa Monica Pier has undergone several restorations to preserve its charm while adapting to modern times, solidifying its status as a favorite destination for both tourists and celebrities.
Celebrities frequently visit to take in the scenic views, enjoy a meal at one of the nearby eateries, or experience the pier’s iconic rides.
Getty Villa
The Getty Villa, a historic museum in Malibu, is now under threat from the ongoing wildfires.
Famous for its impressive collection of ancient art and stunning gardens, the Getty Villa has long been a beloved destination for tourists and celebrities seeking a cultural escape.
The potential loss of the Getty Villa would be a significant blow, not only to the local community but to the cultural landscape of Los Angeles as a whole.
