Aviation Themed Restaurant To Be Remodeled

The Proud Bird Restaurant, a LAX icon since it first opened in 1967, signed a new 20-year lease in the restaurant’s Tuskegee Room on Saturday.

In late 2012, the restaurant’s ownership announced the Proud Bird’s closure due to financial considerations. Upon learning of the imminent closure, the surrounding community and aviation-themed associations rallied to preserve the restaurant whose grounds, rooms and hallways are a testament to aviation pioneers and heroes and historic aircraft builders.
 
In January 2013, the Airport Commission granted a temporary 13-month lease to The Proud Bird and began a required competitive process to determine a long-term plan for the restaurant site. On January 7, 2015, airport officials informed the Proud Bird owners of their successful effort to remain at LAX. The Mayor and City Council then give final approval to the new lease.
 
“Now we begin the process of a complete $5 to $6 million remodel of the restaurant with enhanced detail to the aviation dining experience,” stated John D. Tallichet, President and CEO of Specialty Restaurants Corporation, the owners of the Proud Bird.
 
“In 1967, my father, David Tallichet, as a World War II B-17 pilot in the European War Theatre, had a vision for an aviation themed restaurant to pay tribute to those who worked in commercial aviation in the greater Los Angeles area as well as those who
served in the military in an aviation capacity. Thus was born the Proud Bird.
 
“Dad would be proud that the community, with the Tuskegee Airmen Association as an example, rallied and ‘flew cover’ for the Proud Bird to remain open and our new vision for her will show our continued appreciation to our aviation family and the community-at-large,“ Tallichet concluded.

FMI: www.theproudbird.com