Long-Term Airport Restaurant to "Fold Its Wings" in Response to SMO's Tripling Of Rent and Other Harrasment

Anywhere else a story like this would not be believed... that a city would drive out successful businesses, tax-payers, and other entities that brought attention, money, fame, and prosperity to its locale. Not only foolish and counter-productive, one has to wonder how something like this could happen here in America... and sadly, I really have no answer for you. And regardless of how all this plays out, if this doesn't signify how rabidly anti-aviation Santa Monica has become, and how thoroughly anti-American this city has decided to play its cards, nothing will.

This time, the victim is a bystander in the airport war... clearly showing that the City of Santa Monica is looking for a scorched earth approach to its simmering airport problem. Typhoon, a popular restaurant based along the perimeter of he airport, specializing in some amazing meals and exotic cuisine (I've been there... YUM!), is giving up the ghost and closing its doors... because the city is strangling it to death.

According to a notice posted a few hours ago, "After 25 magical years of being one of the most unique spots on the West Side, Typhoon will soon be folding it’s wings for the last time and heading off to the bone-yard. The City of Santa Monica has nearly tripled our rent and made business conditions so difficult that it has become impossible to carry on without incurring financial ruin. Despite the lawsuits currently in motion between the city and the FAA, there appears to be little hope of a reprieve from the city’s anti-airport master-plan, which seems determined to shut down every business at SMO so that the property can be repurposed as a giant investment opportunity for developers. In some quarters, this sort of activity would be seen as a deplorable abuse of municipal power, but in Santa Monica, it is becoming business-as-usual. It’s just too exhausting and disheartening to continue to throw good money after bad into this never ending shell-game of political brinksmanship. We have therefore decided to close our doors after election-night, November 8, 2016."

Typhoon is not moving, they're folding their wings and getting out of the restaurant business for good. The damage done by the city is simply THAT bad... Typhoon notes that, "After we close, all of the iconic furniture, fixtures and equipment will be sold at auction, with special consideration for long-time customers who want to keep a piece of Typhoon alive in their own homes."

They added that, "Before we close, we urge you to join the gang at Typhoon for one last visit to this beautiful room-with-a-closeup-view of Aviation History, before it finally falls to the political wrecking ball known as the Santa Monica City Council  (many members of which are up for re-election on November 8th!). We’ve been proud to serve as Headquarters to multiple generations of wonderful customers. Thanks to all of you – customers and staff – for your many years of loyalty to Typhoon. The best part of this shared adventure has always been the joyful presence of every one of you."

Mind you, Typhoon is not going out meekly... promising a "month-long Typhoon “End of the World Party" that will include a number of features and that the last days of Typhoon, "...will live up to the Very Best Days of Typhoon, and that when it’s all over, our shared memories of Typhoon will live on in all our hearts as a beloved, unforgettable, fantastic dream of how good life can be."

ANN is somewhat aghast (disgusted, really) at this turn of events and other actions that appear to be in process and will report back shortly with an update.

FMI: http://typhoon.biz/a-note-to-our-friends