L.A. restaurants grapple with flood damage after winter storm - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Angela Osorio

February 24, 2026

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Los Angeles County restaurants are grappling with significant challenges following a series of heavy winter storms that caused flash floods, damaging infrastructure and disrupting operations. The article highlights the struggles of local eateries, such as Gritz N’ Wafflez in Koreatown, which experienced 3 to 4 inches of water during a busy Presidents Day brunch rush. Owner Jurni Rayne faced $25,000 to $30,000 in repair costs and lost revenue estimated at $30,000 after being forced to close for one week. The flooding not only destroyed custom cabinets and drywall but also left a lingering musty smell, further complicating the recovery process. The article underscores the broader impact of the storms across Los Angeles County, with other restaurants like Sala Wine & Coffee Bar in Long Beach experiencing similar challenges. Despite reopening just days earlier after a car accident damaged their building, Sala faced unexpected flooding during a busy morning rush, resulting in significant revenue loss despite minimal physical damage. Co-owner Brandee Raygoza described the situation as overwhelming and noted that even customer efforts to help mop and clean couldn’t mitigate the financial blow. These incidents reflect the broader struggles faced by small businesses in Southern California, which are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. With long-range forecasts predicting more rain in March—already a historically wet month—the region’s restaurants face an uncertain future. For many owners, like Rayne and Raygoza, these disruptions come on top of other recent challenges, such as the Eaton fires that displaced employees and forced business transitions. The situation highlights the broader impact of climate change and severe weather on local businesses, particularly those in urban areas with aging infrastructure. As Rayne noted, the lack of preparedness for such events underscores the need for better flood prevention measures and community support systems to help businesses recover from sudden disasters.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026