SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica it’s nearly impossible to miss the bright Irish Green building with the array of rooftop life-size statuary ranging from dinosaurs to knights of the crusade and even a superhero or two.
Since 1973 Patrick’s Roadhouse has been feeding Angelenos and tourists alike with an impressive menu and award winning cuisine. Celebrity Food Network chef Guy Fieri has even showcased the diner on two episodes of his popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Chef-owner Anthony Fischler and his team have carried on the vision of founder Bill Fischler, who fifty years ago had envisioned a place where people could gather for delicious meals and good company. The diner has become an LA icon. and has served stars like Lucille Ball, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many, many others. It even gets a mention in the epic 1991 movie Point Break.
The Santa Monica Daily Press reported: There’s a tale on the diner’s website that tells of one time when Schwarzenegger was eating at his usual table and his mother wasn’t too impressed with what he’d ordered. She barged into the kitchen and announced to everyone that she was cooking instead. The end result was something called Bauernfrühstück, which is German for “farmer’s breakfast” and so it was renamed “The Governator” for easier pronunciation and put on the menu for all to order.
Patrick’s Roadhouse owner Anthony Fischler confirmed this, telling the Daily Press, “Oh yes, that’s 100% true. She [Schwarzenegger’s mom] basically took over the kitchen, you did not want to mess with her,” he said.
Now the diner is in financial distress, a legacy of the after shocks of the coronavirus pandemic that shuttered nearly all businesses in California during the mandated closures. According to a GoFundMe write-up, the diner was forced to shut its doors after 51 years this past week after being hit with a large rent deferral payment accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fischler managed to keep all of his employees paid though struggled to stay afloat with limited revenue from takeout orders. Despite all of this, Fischler’s team forged on to support the community by providing meals to frontline workers, students, and first responders, though they found themselves unable to meet the demands of this accumulated rent when the deferral period ended, and the large lump sum just came due.
Talking with the Santa Monica Daily Press, Fischler said the ultimate goal is to secure a new long-term lease and to raise a total of $250,000, with $200,000 to be allocated for back rent and $50,000 for immediate building improvements. Those improvements will help rejuvenate the establishment and ensure its immediate reopening.
“We’ve had quite a lot of interest from very big, high net-worth individuals who have come forward and conversations have begun, but it’s all very tentative and nothing has been signed,” Fischler says, also confirming that he’s spoken to Schwarzenegger as well.
Fischler stresses that the company that owns the land is not being unreasonable and they’re open to potential offers, once that specific amount of money has been raised. “There’s even been talk of trying to make the building a historical landmark,” he says.
Anthony Fischler and his team in addition to private angel donors are also asking Angelenos for their help.
“Every contribution counts, no matter how small. Your donation will not only help us save Patrick’s Roadhouse but it will also help to preserve a piece of Santa Monica’s history. Additionally, we have some big-name and famous customers who have pledged their support, and we hope you will join them in contributing to this cause,” said.
We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, and that’s okay. Your moral support and sharing of this campaign are equally valuable. *Please note: If we don’t reach our fundraising goal and secure a new lease, all funds raised will be returned to donors less fees charged by GofundMe.com.
We are deeply grateful for your support, whether it’s through a donation or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that Patrick’s Roadhouse continues to serve delicious food, continues to create lasting memories, and continues to be a cherished part of Santa Monica for generations to come. Let’s save this American icon! Thank you for your generosity and love for Patrick’s Roadhouse.
If you are interested in helping to save this iconic and beloved diner head here: (Link)
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