The owners of Dialogue Cafe in West Hollywood have expressed their determination to reopen, although it might take some time, following a significant water main failure on the Sunset Strip that flooded their establishment.
A century-old water main burst dramatically on Thursday morning, unleashing a torrent that flooded businesses and homes, sending millions of gallons pouring onto Sunset Boulevard and nearby areas.
The cafe, located on Holloway Drive, has been managed by brothers Tade “Todd” Ghazarian, 36, and Nare, 45, for 18 years.
“We’re trying to get back on our feet. It’s a crazy situation,” Todd shared with the California Post, as they assessed the damage, which included a $30,000 espresso machine that was submerged in water.
He mentioned that recovery would be “difficult,” noting the uncertainty of the overall cost of the damages. “It’s going to be tough,” he added, emphasizing their one-day-at-a-time approach as they figure out the extent of the harm and their next steps.
Some of their more than 90 staff members were present early that morning, offering help as the flood hit.
By Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign had managed to raise $20,000 of its $500,000 goal to help the cafe recover.
Todd reflected on the chaotic scene, noting, “It’s crazy to see the busiest street in West Hollywood shut down.” He detailed the shocking sight of the patio filled with sand and standing water as he stepped inside.
“The most important thing is to take care of your staff,” he declared. “Our team is loyal to us. We want to ensure we support everyone, even during this difficult time.”
The brothers are also exploring the possibility of opening a temporary pop-up in a nearby location, stating, “We are currently evaluating our options.”
In his comments, Todd thanked the community and customers for their support, highlighting the warm spirit of the neighborhood. He urged local authorities to focus more on maintaining infrastructure to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future, calling the pipe burst a prime example of the consequences of neglecting public facilities.
Despite the challenges ahead, Todd remains optimistic about reopening in the coming months. “Don’t worry,” he reassured, “We love what we do. Dialogue is coming back, and we’re going to be just fine. We are excited to return stronger.”
