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Henry's Tacos Petition Overwhelms Business Owner

Now, Janis Hood hopes it will have an impact on the property owner.

This Saturday, on New Year’s Eve, landmark Studio City eatery, officially loses its lease—this after just celebrating itsonly a few weeks ago.

Business owner , whose grandfather opened the stand on Tujunga and Moorpark in 1961, said she is thankful for the support from the Studio City community that have rallied to help her and signed petitions both online and in person.

She said she is hoping that will convince the property owner Mehran Ebrahimpour from serving eviction notices on the business, because he doesn’t agree with Hood’s application for naming the . If the Cultural Heritage Commission names it as a historic monument, then the property owner has some restrictions on what he can do with the property.

“It has the original signage from my grandfather’s time, almost completely unaltered,” Hood said.

The community support has been overwhelming.

Hood tells Studio City Patch: “I have nothing new to report on the lease situation, but an online petition started by a fan has over 1,830 signatures. The paper-and-pen petition has netted almost 1,000 so far. If this goes to court re: an eviction, at least I can show community support.”

Hood wanted to get 2,000 signatures, and by 4:30 Tuesday, it hit 1,900, and rising fast.

UPDATE: By 8:30 Wednesday morning, the goal of 2,000 online signatures was reached. By 5:30 Wednesday afternoon, the tally was 2,151. By Thursday, 8:30 a.m., total signatures hit 2,250.

The Facebook page—also started by fans of the taco stand—includes many testimonials, including this from Dewey Egbert:

“So I drive all the way down from Mammoth to sink my teeth into a few hardshells. I pull up to park... only 1 space available. It was mine... ALL mine. Line of peep's at the window... “

Henry’s is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays and major holidays. 

The Facebook Page is: http://www.facebook.com/groups/19286894022/

The online petition page is here: http://www.change.org/petitions/mehran-ebrahimpour-landlord-keep-henrys-tacos-open-renew-lease

or

http://www.change.org/petitions/la-city-council-member-dist-2-planning-committee-keep-henrys-tacos-open-renew-lease-approve-historic-designation

See the KNBC News coverage:

 http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Fighting-to-Save-Henrys-Tacos-136039723.html

See some of the Facebook photos in the Gallery above, and please post your own favorite Henry's photo, too!

zapple December 28, 2011 at 01:03 pm
I've been going to HENRY'S TACOS since I attended North Hollywoo High School in the 1960's. That was where our little Nash Metropolitan automatically stopped after summer school, before we headed home... They are the last of the "true" taco stands from that era. I so hope that the City of Los Angeles will consider historic status like they did for our Bob's Big Boy in Burbank/Toluca Lake.. ,. What is wrong with this greedy owner that he won't consider this.... The goodwill alone is worth historic status... Please, everyone, sign the petition and HELP SAVE HENRY'S TACOS'.
Mike Szymanski (Editor) December 28, 2011 at 01:40 pm
The petition signatures hit 2,000 just a few minutes ago! You can see how fast that has grown since we heard from Janis Hood ... also the Patch Poll is overwhelmingly for Henry's, but a few of you think the owner & Cultural Board should decide. Please leave COMMENTS here!
Brad December 28, 2011 at 03:28 pm
I love Henry's, eat there at least once per week.....BUT, the owner of Henry's is commiting suicide by her filing for Historic status. Of course the Landlord ( who owns the land and building that Henry's operates in) is not going to sign a new lease and is going to evict her. If the owner of Henry's gets the Landmark status, that severly diminishes the value of the landlord's property and building.
If the owner of Henry's wants to stay in business and keep serving tacos for the next 50 years, drop the Landmark status stuff, sign a new lease and keep the cash register ringing. This is a total case of cutting your nose to spite your face.
Cricket Yee December 29, 2011 at 04:11 am
I think I am the only person out there that feels sorry for the owner. The historic status has negatively effected the value of his property-- forever. He may have never bought it if he knew that would happen. I agree with Brad, drop the landmark status (if that can be done), and repair the relationship with the landlord (if it's not too late.)
Joanna December 29, 2011 at 01:38 pm
What does the owner think he can do with the property? It is postage sized, nothing else will ever be built there due to the parking issues with that area. What difference does it make if it is historical?
Dick Carter December 29, 2011 at 01:47 pm
an apartment building could be put there, not a big one, but one that would generate more income than Janis is apparently willing to pay to operate Henry's.
Bob Kirk December 29, 2011 at 04:26 pm
I cry crocodile tears for the "Beverly Hills based" owner of this property. He has no contact with the community but the rent he gets. But, this is Los Angeles, if it has historical significance they will tear it down @ the drop of a campaign contribution! I say make it a landmark & let the landlord hire lawyers to fight it out- reminds me of when they "HAD" to evict The Weiner Factory for a "Pinkberry' how's that going? All landlord BS, like he will say I want to uild a nice family apt. for my relative coming from the old country or some other BS. This is one of the last true Valley googia style stands, lets put up a McCmansion therre we need more of those beauties..."Henry" shoulod of bought the property!!
Lightnapper December 29, 2011 at 04:29 pm
@Joanne..."Ever" is a long time. Who can actually ever know what will happen down the line? An honest man speculated and invested in a property legally, and he should be able to capitalize on that legal investment. The business owner does not own the property. Thier position maybe emotinally captivating and new's worthy, but as a businessman, I wouldn't renew their lease-- even if the building was later deemed historic or not. My thinking from this point forward would be, "Go find another location and another landlord. You caused me financial and legal trouble, and all I did was rent space to you."
Mike Baron December 29, 2011 at 06:35 pm
Brad YOU CONTINUE TO BE BOTH THICK HEADED and woefully misinformed. The Historical application process can't be unwound. The ship has sailed. Take your self serving developer agenda else where.
John Jones December 29, 2011 at 07:25 pm
From reading comments by two people on her, Cricket Lee and Dick Carter, they have NEVER been to this location or eaten there. One Cricket, this landlord is Iranian and he has NEVER even been to the property. He buys land that is for sale all over Los Angeles and the valley and just takes the rent and goes to the highest bidder. For you me Carter the locataion of Henry's and even if you removed the Starlight bar that sits next to it would NEVER HOLD any size of an apratment. The whole location is smaller than a regulation football field, of which is 53x100 yards. It barely holds parking for 7 cars. The corner it is on would never have parking for an apratment and I think the neignbors next door would say something if one was built.
Know something about the place before you talk.
Laura Z December 29, 2011 at 09:54 pm
Drop the Historical status request or the taco gets it, eh Brad?
Picking on Janis won't help the landlord or stop the process. You both may be disappointed to hear that in this democracy ANYONE can nominate a historical Monument: According to the LA Department of City Planning 'A nomination for City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument status may be submitted by any person or organization. The City Council may also nominate a resource for Monument status, typically through the introduction of a motion by an individual Councilmember. The Cultural Heritage Commission itself may also initiate a nomination.' Cricket you feel sorry for a landowner didn't know what he was buying into? Perhaps he should have gotten out of his lounge chair in Beverly Hills and done some research first. I'm sure you also feel sorry for those poor defenseless landowners and all their "worthless land" underneath the Hollywood Bowl, Musso & Frank Grill, Bob's Big Boy….?
zapple January 1, 2012 at 12:38 am
The horse is already out of the barn, The historical status has already been researched and submitted.. None of this was done because of, or in spite of the landlord. It was strictly as an homage to her Grandparents and parents, and the 50 years of service to the community... The lot is only about 6,000 sq. feet.. and the parking restrictions for a new "apartment" building, would no longer accomodate the "granny'ed" minimal parking that both the Starlite and Henrys share, It is zoned for "restaurant" , small biz...... Would you have this land baron level both historic places to promote more greed and lose the historic significance for a few bucks? The lot isn't big enough to fight over.. extend the lease, work together and stop blaming Janis for something that she did not intend to do to cause problems with the landowner.. She's run Henry's well and efficiently, with no problems for the community... what more do you want? Let the land baron count his rents and sit in his ivory tower.. There is more to life than just $$$ ... even in Los Angeles BRAD!!!
Brad Sobel January 27, 2012 at 08:35 pm
So what's the up date on the lease negotiations or evicition? I ate at Henry's just two nights ago, great as usual!
Rev. Bob Bock December 10, 2012 at 06:48 pm
How do we get a copy of the new petition?
Would communicating with our Councilman help? I'll make the petition available at First Christian Church Sunday for signatures if I can get a copy. Several of our youth have worked at Henry's through the years. I performed the wedding for Janis' mother and step-father. This marvelous corner with its delicious food is too much a part of Studio City to let it be put out of business by someone who knows nothing about out little community. Pastor Bob Bock
Mike Szymanski (Editor) December 10, 2012 at 07:11 pm
Hey Rev. Bob, the new petition is here: http://www.change.org/petitions/help-save-historic-henrys-tacos and there is something going on Sunday afternoon... see: http://patch.com/A-0m28 let us know what else you're planning!
wilfredo Mariona December 11, 2012 at 04:33 am
Please don"t go

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Mike Szymanski (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 09:54 am
Hey Beth! You may want to consider posting photos in a gallery by using the START BLOGGING buttonRead More on the front page for more visibility on the site! thanks!
at the wheel
Mike Szymanski (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 09:57 am
My sister just did a first-time experience...stay tuned to her post of what she did with her friendsRead More going there a few weeks ago...she loved it! Post your thoughts here, or consider clicking the START BLOGGING button on the bottom left of the front page to tell us more and start a conversation!
mzjuniper June 19, 2013 at 07:27 am
I celebrated my husbands birthday here with a bunch of friends. The 6 of us sat around the wheelRead More learning to spin pottery. It was so much fun! And we got to all try something new together. The teacher is very patient and helpful. It was a truly delightful experience. I highly recommend it.
Stepping back into the light. Thanks Jaqueline Huang.
E.M. Fredric June 16, 2013 at 08:56 pm
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rumradio-org/2013/06/17/rumradio-interview-with-eva-marie-fredric-1
E.M. Fredric June 16, 2013 at 08:56 pm
Thanks Mike, you are always such a positive and supportive friend!
E.M. Fredric June 17, 2013 at 10:00 am
The re-airs tonight and Sunday on the radio but you can listen at the link above any time.
Rich Addams June 15, 2013 at 07:43 am
Who ARE you and what's the number? What kind of informational specialist are you, you leave noRead More number, no email, and you expect us to care? BLOG something lady! Tells us about it!!!!
Kalil Stimpson June 17, 2013 at 07:32 pm
Dear tbs, Deon Coles black box is the worst tv show ever. Though it is hosted by a black man, it'sRead More a show based on pointing fun and rude Racist jokes directed toward black people. If there was a white host it would be considered racist but because a black man was appointed to be host , you might have figured we wouldn't be offended but we are and I can't speak for all but I feel like resist jokes aren't ok regardless of who is telling them and I would like tbs to take down this show or atleast change the points in the show ! -signed, Kalil Stimpson
Miki Henderson June 12, 2013 at 11:29 am
How fun! I can't wait! What a great place to do it, too! Llove the cheeses!
Miki Henderson June 12, 2013 at 11:30 am
This is the last piece of open area along this river, if we're ever going to have it look like aRead More real river again, we MUST preserve this seciton, which is about a quarter way down! PLease help!! Thank you for your volunteerism, I know you ladies have done so much!
SCNC Movies In The Park
Richard Niederberg June 10, 2013 at 07:44 am
It was a quality event and a good time was had by all. Parking was NOT a problem. Just bring yourRead More blanket, carpet fragment or your lawn chair and you are good to go.
Miki Henderson June 10, 2013 at 08:03 pm
I found the crowd rather rude and noisy, guess I shouldn't expect quiet in a park, I left early
John Walker June 10, 2013 at 08:14 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of your experience. I received many, many emails from the community,Read More all speaking of a very fun and positive experience. I do hope this does not prevent you from coming to our next Free Movie event on Saturday, June 22nd.