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6 DTLA APPETITE: By Keri Eats DTLA
VOL 16 NO 09 - APRIL 14TH - APRIL 20th, 2022 DTLAWEEKLY.COM
here’s the Beef?
The Truth Behind the Family Fued That Led to the Closure of Pacific Dining Car
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hile this whole time, fans were thinking Pacific Dining Car closed because of Covid, members of the Idol family who operated the iconic restaurant in Westlake have expressed to Downtown Weekly that is not the case.
While the world was blaming Covid, Conlee claims it was Toby Idol who dismantled the 99-year-old business when the Idol family trust fell into her hands after the swift and unexpected decline in Wes Idol II’s health, only later to fight against the restoration and nomination while making defamatory statements tarnishing her brother’s name during the hearing.
For almost 99 years, Pacific Dining Car was known for its fine dining experience; 24-hour service, immaculate decor and well-prepared cellar-aged steaks. In its glory, the restaurant hosted legends of Hollywood, dignitaries, tourists and local fans eager to partake in a satisfying meal complete with “The defaming statements that Wes Idol III advanced the nomination for good old fashion style and service. historic designation are untrue. He did not. When we heard about this Although the restaurant closed its dimly nomination and people contacted us lit, white tabletop location at 1310 W. Sixth St. in 2020, there has been a valiant to voice their support, he was moved effort to bring the dining destination back and excited to show his support too. and preserve the landmark location as a The other defaming statement was Historic-Cultural Monument. that our father was angry with my brother regarding the Pacific Dining It was shortly after the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission hearing on Car business and disinherited him as a result. He was not and did not.” April 7th recommending the HCM status stated Conlee. be granted that members of the family decided to come forth with their side of the story, blaming years of family feuding that In actually, a fan of the PDC submitted the application for historic preservation. eventually led to its closing. While Wes ll still owns the Pacific Dining Car business in its current state, which After statements read during the hearing is in flux. There are investors who are by the legal team of the property owner, passionate about restoring, reviving and Tobi Idol, wife of Wes Idol ll and stepre-opening the restaurant as it was. mother to Conlee Idol and Wes Idol lll claimed that her husband blamed his son Conlee and her brother Wes lll proclaim for ruining the family business and being although they did not spark the HCM disinherited because of it, Conlee came designation efforts, they support the forward to express her and her brother’s preservation, restoration and HCM status side of the story. 100%.
However, without Tobi Idol’s consent to reopen (although it looks like the location will be preserved), the fiber cow that once marked the spot may not be resurrected. “(Wesley ll) and I do not and never wanted our property to be designated,” Toby Idol said in a statement read to commissioners by her attorney. Lawyers went on to read… “He is the person who is apparently advancing this nomination because his father disinherited him for that very reason. Having killed a 100-year family tradition, he’s trying to save a shred of a legacy for himself and his ego.” In response Conlee Idol stated, “Wes III has a lot of compassion for Toby, who seems overwhelmed and piqued. However, for the health and wellness of our family and this institution, we feel it’s important not to let the defamatory statements stand unchecked.” More details as they develop on this family feud that has empty stomaches growling and long-time Downtown fans asking, “Where’s the beef?” DISCLAIMER: TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY? TOBY IDOL IF YOU’RE READING THIS PLEASE CONTACT EDITOR@DTLAWEEKLY.COM
