May 30, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

This Former Thomas Edison Powerhouse is Becoming a Bagel Shop

With the Acquisition, the Buyer Looks to Grow His East Coast Bagel Operations to the West

By Zach Armstrong

In 1909, a Santa Monica property was constructed as a power facility for Thomas Edison’s electric company; providing power to the Ocean Park neighborhood. Between 1982 and 2011, the vibrant “Powerhouse Theater” put on local plays out of the space. In recent years, Luigi al Teatro served up Italian cuisine from the premises up until a late closing.

Now, an entrepreneur is transforming the property at 3116 2nd Street once more. This time, to expand his bagel ventures to the West Coast.

The 1,500 sq. ft. property was recently sold for $2.5 million from Temple Mishkon (who owned the property and leased it out for the past 70 years) to 2nd Street Santa Monica LLC. Ian Strano of NAI Capital represented Temple Mishkon in the transaction. 2nd Street was represented by Compass.

According to Strano, the buyer is a “wealthy businessman” who owns Uber Bagels; an East Coast bagel shop chain which operates numerous locations across Maryland. Its menu boasts a wide range of breakfast and lunch sandwich items served on several bagel options such as Asiago Bay, Garlic, Whole Wheat, Sesame and Rosemary Sea Salt.

With the new acquisition of the Santa Monica property, the Uber Bagels owner looks to debut Godspeed Bagels, a concept that Strano says will be similar to Uber, only meant for the West Coast. The bagel shop will likely launch operations sometime next year, said Strano.

The property was constructed in 1909 for Edison, which operated several transformers in the facility, providing electric power to those in the surrounding neighborhood. For years, Southern California Edison Power operated out of the property before it was transformed into a theater in 1982 and earned the nickname “Powerhouse.” 

In the mid-90s, the theater underwent a revitalization by Powerhouse Theatre Co. which operated the space until 2011. The property was then marketed as a retail or creative office space. After another renovation in 2016, the space now includes an outdoor patio and garden space. Westside Italian chef Luigi Fineo opened Luigi al Teatro from the property in 2018 before closing in recent years.

Santa Monica Conservancy also established the structure as a historic landmark in recent years, thus protecting it from demolition, according to Strano.

“The interior roof and structure are original and protected from being demolished.” said Ian Strano, Executive Vice President of NAI Capital, in an email to Mirror Media Group. “This is a one of a kind and, therefore, achieved higher pricing. The buyer understood the value of owning a historic building.”

in Dining, News
<>Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

Westside Ballet to Present Spring Showcase and Gala Featuring NYCB Stars This Weekend

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

The Huntley Santa Monica Beach Community Service Award will go to first responders from Los Angeles and Santa Monica in...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist with...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/ZcOduvaP03 pic.twitter.com/9E2uPzzZO6 — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror)...

(Video) Last Thursday Concert Series Kicks off at Venice Boardwalk

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The shows happen at Dudley Ave. at the pergolas on the north end of the boardwalk The shows happen at...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program to Promote Literacy

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Running from June 14 through August 16, the program encourages participants of all ages to track their reading progress and...

Film Review: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

FILM REVIEWJANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFERated R98 MinutesReleased May 30th Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a refreshingly simple and...

Burger Chain Tied to Late Rapper Nipsey Hussle Announces Venice Boardwalk Location

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The announcement marks the brand’s expansion from its Fairfax District debut earlier this year Marathon Burger, a new franchise honoring...

Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Seasonal Offering With Wanderlust Creamery is a First in Cookie Shop’s History For the first time in its three-decade history, Levain...

Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

(Video) Shoreside Restaurant Unveiled by Santa Monica’s Shore Hotel

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Guests can expect dishes like the Harris Ranch Prime Filet, along with plates like the California Yellowtail Crudo and Superior...

Santa Monica Landlord to Pay $685K in Tenant Harassment Lawsuit

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolves allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances...

Film Review: Bring Her Back

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Grief is the price of love.  Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou’s second feature film, Bring Her Back,...