After a broken sewer pipe in West Hollywood caused extensive damage to several businesses and homes in July, Dialog Cafe operators are now trying to weather yet another crisis.
Following months of financial duress and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, business at the cafe, beloved for its fresh pastries and all-day breakfast dishes, appeared to be picking back up.
Then, the pipe burst in July left the building severely damaged.
“Once we realized how long it will take to rebuild the old location and saw the extent of the damage, we knew we had to open a temporary location,” said Narbeh Ghazalian, co-owner of Dialog.
The cafe’s owners scrambled and took to social media, asking the public and customers for help.
Ashley Anu, a loyal customer at the cafe on Holloway Drive, immediately stepped in. Because her husband sells condos at the Sun Rose on Sunset Boulevard, she knew there might be a temporary space for her favorite breakfast spot.
“I followed up with my husband, reaching out and connecting ownership to Dialog’s owners,” Anu said. “To be able to help them, connect such a great property with such a great restaurant, and see the community come together — I’m so excited for them.”
The cafe is set to hold its official grand opening Oct. 3 at the temporary location, just half a mile from the original restaurant, only two months after the devastating event.
“The hotel has done a great job with the space,” Ghazalian said. “The kitchen is ideally set up, and there’s a huge patio with a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.”
Tadeh Ghazalian, co-owner, said the community’s support reinforced his business philosophy.
“I always tell my team that with every relationship you make, put your best foot forward and do the right thing,” he said. “It always comes back in some way.”
The precise number of homes and businesses damaged in the water main break is unclear. However, West Hollywood officials estimated that at least 150 vehicles parked on streets and in parking lots were damaged or destroyed. At least three families needed temporary housing assistance.
Approximately 17 million gallons of water were lost before the pipe was repaired.
