The Fast-Food Chain Withdraws Its Proposal Amid Public Opposition
Raising Cane’s, the popular chicken finger chain has withdrawn its proposal that their representatives were slated to present to The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission on Thursday. The chain aimed to convert the iconic Norms restaurant in West Hollywood, a historic site cherished by Angelenos for its midcentury Googie architecture.
Norms, which has operated at the location on La Cienega Boulevard for 67 years, is renowned for its distinctive sawtooth roofline and pennant sign, both emblematic of the Googie style that defines Los Angeles’ architectural heritage. Raising Cane’s purchased the property in 2021 for $16 million and had intended to convert it into a Cane’s location and had to prove to the Commission that the design of the property would be preserved since it is a cultural landmark.
The proposal, however, sparked widespread opposition from the public. The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission received a flood of letters asking for Norms Googie design to remain intact at the site. The commission has no say over which company runs their business inside of a landmark building only how the architectural design is preserved for the city.
In a letter submitted to the commission, Raising Cane’s announced its decision to abandon its plans. “We have heard the community’s concerns, and we are in discussions with Norms about the future of the site,” the statement read.
From the letter, it is unclear whether or not, Raising Cane’s intends to abandon the plan entirely and let Norms remain in the building after their lease expires. The company has yet to respond to inquiries for further clarification.
