A landmark burger joint in South Central L.A. has repeatedly been targeted by local authorities, forcing its owner out of business.
Known as one of the few area establishments to remain open during the riots of 1992, the owner explained what his shop has meant to the neighborhood.
“We have much love for the community, and the community obviously has much love for us,” he said, adding that even as rioters burned down neighboring businesses, customers continued to rely on his establishment. “We were handing out loaves of bread for free.”
Considering the impact his restaurant has made over the past few decades, one might assume there must be some justifiable explanation behind the continued attacks of city officials.
In fact, this entrepreneur is guilty of nothing aside from operating a business in a high-crime area. With no tangible proof his presence contributes to that criminal activity, authorities have nonetheless forced the owner to adhere to ever more restrictive regulations that he is no longer able to financially absorb.
According to one LAPD detective, the restaurant “has a nexus and a connection to a disproportionate amount of criminal activity.”
This is apparently enough cause to harass a legitimate business owner into unemployment.
Beginning rather innocuously with a request to remove his pay phones, members of the city zoning board and police force soon began ordering him to operate within strict guidelines that cut deeply into his profits.
When authorities demanded he remove outdoor seating, the restaurant reportedly lost 15 percent of its revenues.
Officials enacted almost two dozen other requirements that forced him to foot the bill for such additions as full-time security, a closed-circuit camera system, and perimeter fences.
Instead of focusing their attention on the actual criminals perpetrating the acts of violence and theft in his neighborhood, authorities apparently found it much easier to impose hostile regulations on a private business owner.
“The LAPD wants to control my business,” the entrepreneur said; and there seems to be plenty of evidence to back up his claim.
A subsequent appeal to the city’s zoning board was greeted by deaf ears.
Government regulation on a large scale has bankrupted businesses across America while preventing countless others from opening in the first place.
Unfortunately, small-scale bureaucracy can be just as detrimental to communities as certain businesses are doomed to fail through no fault of their own.
“I’ve been here for 30 years and know how it should be run,” the owner said, “and I’m successful.”
Despite that record of success, this series of incidents shows no one can be secure in personal achievement when government-sanctioned bullies can impose their will through relentless and unwarranted regulation.
B. Christopher Agee founded The Informed Conservative in 2011. Like his Facebook page for engaging, relevant conservative content daily.
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This is exactly what Obama wants done in America. Kill the little person/business. If it isn’t Union or government controlled…it is not welcome. Welcome to the Marxist world of Obama.
patti’s notes: right on the nose. wants to hurt low and middle class people ,even more. time for treaso, impeachment for this comminist,islam person, who has no real love for america or americans. he will never convince me !!!!! pl orl,fla
BESIDES WHAT YOU JUST SAID……WHAT IS THE COLOR OF THE OWNER?????????? COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Excellent article about the sad reality that out-of-control government thuggery exists at all levels, from your house to the White House. I have posted this in the commentary section of my website.
Dale Dawson
On Target News
http://www.ontargetnews.com
I think the owner should seek out the ACLU. Jay Sekulow can help her.
Satan sure has his little friends working overtime in this country.
http://aclj.org/
MountainMama, the President did not close this guy’s business. The place certainly attracted a criminal element which is the reason the pay phones were removed, outside seating for the same problem, drug dealing. It was not so much the government closing this guy down as it was the criminal element in the neighborhood. I am sure there was a ton of crime and people in the neighborhood complained and actions were taken.
Blaming the President for the closing of a burger joint is the same as blaming your foe Satan. Ridiculous. Keep feeding into your paranoid kin.
Aloha, apparently you don’t keep up with everything. Since we’ve escorted God out of this country. We’ve allowed evil to come in and since you are bible illiterate let me help you. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”— Ephesians 6:12.
How about a bit more Bible 101, Aloha,”"Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed–the one who brings destruction.”— 2 Thessalonians 2:3. “Daniel 7:25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.” “Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” “2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” “1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
why not take care of the crime instead of breaking this guys back…Aloha
I’ll read the comments after I post. As an ex-resident of the LA area, I would point out that this business owner is in south central LA, primarily black and vehemently anti-LAPD. I would be interested in knowing if the rules applied to this business were universally applied or specific to this owner. The article doesn’t say. Note that the business owner does not say anything whatsoever about the federal regulations that are precipitating closure of business–only refers to the LAPD. Frankly, I came up with a solution to the gang problem in south central a long time ago. Put all the gangs in Dodger Stadium, seal the entrances and let them fight it out until no one survives except one person and then charge him with murder and throw him in jail. The citizens of south central who are law abiding would all be able to sleep better.