Westwood residents are a fairly adaptable group. When Blockbuster closed, Netflix was the solution of choice. Residents now happily walk, bike and skateboard across the new scramble sidewalk and eagerly await the opening of Trader Joe’s. Boutiques come and go without much fanfare. The closing of a favorite restaurant, however, causes surprising distress among students, professors, resident professionals and other Westwood occupants. Recent closures have included Olive Garden, Hawaii Ono, Boba World and Marvin’s Diner. In addition, Chili’s was temporarily closed in mid-October due to what a company spokesperson cited as a pest infestation.
Despite restaurants being forced out by lack of interest, a tough economy or vermin, there are still plenty of options in Westwood. Lovers of U-Dog (which closed several years ago) will be glad to know that there is a new hot dog vendor in town: The Stand, on Westwood Boulevard. The classic “Margarita Monday†at Acapulco now has a competitor – The Stand offers $1 Stand Dogs and $2.50 Loaded Dogs, as well as beer and wine specials, after 5pm on Mondays. Olive Garden and Hawaii Ono have yet to be replaced, but the space at Marvin’s Diner was quickly filled with the Sweet Pepper Grill, which serves American food, salads, wraps and quesadillas at affordable prices.
