Los Angelessteve rose

Henry's Tacos Closed: Stand Serves Its Last Meal In North Hollywood

Henry's Final Taco
Los Angeles Daily News
|
Open Image Modal

Henry's Tacos was set to serve its last taco Saturday at the corner of Moorpark Street and Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood.

A last-minute deal to sell the stand fell apart this week, said Henry's Taco owner Janis Hood, who hopes to see the eatery open elsewhere.

"51 years," said Hood, blinking back tears on Saturday, standing outside the stand her grandfather helped build decades ago.

In the last few weeks, two local businessmen Matt Pyken and Steve Rose sought to buy the business.

But Hood said a number of contractual issues bothered her, including the sale price, causing her to pull out of the deal.

Instead, she plans to transfer ownership of her family's business to Omar Vega, a 21-year employee of Henry's Tacos.

"I just thought, 'Why not pay it forward?"' Hood said of her decision. Vegas will look for a new site for the stand, she said.

Henry's Taco was built by Hood's grandfather Henry Comstock in the early 1960s. It's been operated most recently by Hood, who ran into a dispute last year with landlord Mehran Ebrahimpour, who owns the property.

Hood nominated Henry's Tacos for historic landmark designation, hoping to preserve the stand's architectural legacy. She believes Ebrahimpouro objected to the landmark nomination because it could affect the property's sale or future development.

Amid the back and forth, Councilman Paul Krekorian, who represents the area, didn't push for the historic designation. Eventually the landmark nomination lapsed. Without historic protection, the classic Googie-style hut could face the wrecking ball.

The closure comes despite a high-profile campaign to save the restaurant. Celebrities like Elijah Wood and George Lopez have stopped by the stand to lend support, as did Los Angeles mayoral candidates such as Jan Perry. Thousands of people signed an online petition launched to save the stand.

Without historical designation, it's unclear what will happen to the hut. Hood said she'd heard Starbucks and Coffee Bean were interested in the site.

As news of Henry's Tacos closure spread, a line of customers quickly gathered on Saturday. Sisters Carrie Jager, 59, and Kathy Snow, 62, both grew up in North Hollywood, and both returned for one last trip.

Jager drove from her home in Bakersfield; Snow from her place in Agoura Hills.

"It was just part of our life," said Jager, eating a burrito. As a 17-year-old in high school, she spent a year working at Henry's Tacos.

"We spent a lot of time here," nodded Snow.

One side of the stand was covered in brown paper, allowing customers to scribble farewells to Henry's Tacos.

Wrote one fan: "So long and thanks for all the tacos!"

dakota.smith@dailynews.com

818-713-3761

twitter.com/dakotacdsmith ___

(c)2013 the Daily News (Los Angeles)

Visit the Daily News (Los Angeles) at www.dailynews.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Fish Tacos
Fish Tacos With Creamy Lime Guacamole And Cabbage Slaw(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
These tacos feature tender red snapper fillets that are grilled instead of fried for a healthier take on the classic California taco. Leave the skin on to make grilling easier. Serve with guacamole and cabbage slaw.Get the Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Guacamole and Cabbage Slaw recipe (credit:Matthew Hranek/Food & Wine)
Sauteed Fish Tacos(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
For a healthier twist on fish tacos, saute the fish instead of frying. This recipe uses flaky cod and features a chipotle sauce made with yogurt. Top with shredded lettuce, carrot and diced avocado.Get the Sauteed Fish Tacos recipe (credit:New Media Publishing)
Beer-Battered Fish Tacos With Tomato And Avocado Salsa(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
Beer is the secret ingredient in these battered and fried fish tacos. Tilapia is a good choice because it's inexpensive and holds together well when fried. Top with freshly made salsa or store-bought in a pinch.Get the Beer-Battered Fish Tacos with Tomato and Avocado Salsa recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
This fish taco recipe sautes the fish to lock in the moisture (the recipe also calls for briefly soaking the fish in water). Use firm fish like halibut or swordfish. Serve with mango salsa, which makes a unique condiment for fish.Get the Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa from Simply Recipe (credit:Simply Recipes)
Grilled Fish Tacos With Roasted Corn And Pepitas(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
These fish tacos have a lot of texture going on with grilled corn and toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). A bit of paprika and garlic salt dusted on the fish fillets are all you need to add nice flavor. Use grouper or mahi mahi.Get the Grilled Fish Tacos with Roasted Corn and Pepitas recipe from Steamy Kitchen (credit:Steamy Kitchen)
Baja Fish Tacos(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
For classic Baja-style fish tacos, you'll want to deep fry your fillets. This recipe uses meaty halibut that's dusted in chili powder and flour before cooking. Serve with sliced avocado, cabbage slaw and salsa.Get the Baja Fish Tacos recipe from Food Network (credit:Food Network)
Salmon Tacos(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Fish tacos are usually made with white fish, but this recipe uses salmon to pack in the omega-3s. The fish fillets are spread with a unique spice rub that includes coffee, cumin, coriander, chili powder and brown sugar. Serve with shredded cabbage and avocado-tomatillo salsa.Get the Salmon Tacos recipe from Five and Spice (credit:Five and Spice)
Broiled Fish Tacos(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
A flavorful marinade infuses the snapper for these fish tacos with lots of flavor. Instead of grilling or sauteing, the fish is broiled, which is really easy because you don't need to flip them. Serve with guacamole, shredded lettuce and salsa.Get the Broiled Fish Tacos recipe from Recipe Girl (credit:Recipe Girl)
Grilled Adobo-Rubbed Fish Tacos(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
For the ultimate flavor in fish tacos, this recipe features an adobo rub made with chili powder and cumin. For best results use firm fish like halibut or mahi mahi. Serve with homemade coleslaw.Get the Grilled Adobo-Rubbed Fish Tacos recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Grilled Fish Tacos With Pico De Gallo(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Mahi mahi is an ideal fish for grilling because it's firm and doesn't fall apart so easily. Fill these grilled fish tacos with shredded cabbage, cilantro, sour cream and freshly made pico de gallo.Get the Grilled Fish Tacos with Pico de Gallo (credit:Ray Kachatorian)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip