Whether the South L.A. city is ready or not, Watts has found itself at the center of a food revolution. Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson’s much-hyped sustainable, affordable fast-casual restaurant, LocoL, is finally set to open on 103rd Street in Watts at 11 a.m. on January 18.
Choi broke the news via Instagram on New Year’s Eve, but if you’re like us you kept your social media feeds on the same high shelf as your running shoes during the holiday break.
Choi’s social media has since been blowing up with pictures of the kitchen staff—most of whom are Watts natives—in training. Photos have also showcased signature menu items like “Foldies” and grain-bulked burgers sizzling on the griddle.
Just in case you’ve always wanted to camp out in Watts but just needed a reason, the first 100 people in line on opening day will receive free food as well as a T-shirt, co-designed by Undefeated and LocoL, plus, Choi says, “a hug.”
The collaboration between the SoCal and Bay Area superchefs was first announced at 2014’s MAD food symposium and has attracted high profile partners including Noma’s René Redzepi and Tartine’s Chad Robertson. The Watts location is the first of what the gang hopes will grow into an empire, with branches in so-called food deserts like Watts and the Tenderloin as well as flagship restaurants in high-profile areas such as Beverly Hills and SoHo.
Here’s to starting off 2016 with some good-for-you, good-for-the-planet, good-for-the-community, good-for-your-wallet grub.
