August 8, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations 

Din Tai Fung, the internationally recognized Taiwanese restaurant chain, is set to open a new location at Santa Monica Place on Feb. 28, marking its fifth restaurant in the greater Los Angeles area. The expansion comes as the community continues to recover from recent wildfires that devastated parts of the region.

The new 10,615-square-foot restaurant, featuring an ocean-view patio and a design that blends modern and traditional elements, is expected to bring approximately 280 new jobs to the area. Reservations are open, with a soft opening starting Feb. 20.

In an effort to support fire recovery efforts, Din Tai Fung has pledged to donate 100% of its profits from the soft opening and grand opening week to local food and beverage businesses impacted by the wildfires. The company has partnered with GoFundMe to identify recipients and will contribute up to $50,000.

“Los Angeles is home to Din Tai Fung’s first U.S. location, and it’s where my brother and I grew up,” said Albert Yang, co-CEO of Din Tai Fung North America, in a release. “The destruction caused by the fires has deeply affected our community, and we want to help in any way we can.”

The initiative kicked off with a private benefit event in partnership with the Los Angeles Golf Club, featuring local influencers and athletes. Attendees included actors Ross Butler and Justin Chien, as well as professional skateboarder Sean Malto.

Founded in Taiwan in 1958, Din Tai Fung is best known for its Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, meticulously crafted through an 18-fold process. The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations across the country.

in Dining, News
<>Related Posts

‘Dad Bod’ Contest Comes to Venice Restaurant This Weekend

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

The competition will unfold over three themed rounds: a beachwear walk, a tongue-in-cheek “talent show,” and a final flex-off judged...

City Preps for Return of SaMoHi, Pali High Students by Boosting Safety

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

Efforts to ensure student safety include reactivating school crossing guards, completing pedestrian safety upgrades, and promoting free public transit As...

Hot Dog on a Stick and Santa Monica Brew Works Team Up for Santa Monica’s Dog Days of Summer

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

Dog-Friendly Event in Santa Monica Supports Local Rescue Group  Santa Monica’s four-legged residents will get their day in the sun...

Santa Monica’s ICARUS AI Launches Global Grant Initiative, Empowering 5,000 Lives Through Education

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

SANTA MONICA, CA – ICARUS AI https://icarus.education/ a local Artificial Intelligence and education technology company, headquartered right here in Santa...

Santa Monica’s Chez Jay Celebrates 66 Years with Retro Bash by the Beach

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

Landmark Restaurant Celebrates With Classic Cars, Live Music, Celebrity Lore One of Los Angeles County’s most storied restaurants will mark...

Swiss Firm Partners with California Startup to Aid Wildfire Recovery With AI Robots

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

The robotic microfactories are designed to fabricate structural wall panels on-site with high precision, aiming to speed up the construction...

Film Review: Weapons

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

By Dolores Quintana You might be asking yourself what the film Weapons is about. Not to worry, writer and director...

Trial Date Set for Alleged ‘Ketamine Queen’ in Matthew Perry’s Death

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

Woman Accused in Matthew Perry’s Overdose to Face Jury The woman accused of supplying the fatal dose of ketamine that...

Santa Monica to Enter Mediation Over Ebony Beach Club Land Seizure

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

The decision follows a year-long investigation into White’s efforts to open the Ebony Beach Club—a nonprofit intended to provide a...

(Video) Palisades Rec Center Completes Construction of First Responder-Themed Playground

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

The new playground–which replaces a near-40-year-old one–was made with funds largely generated by the FireAid Benefit Concert. Palisades Rec Center...

Santa Monica Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees to Ease Shelter Surge

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

Overcrowded Shelter Needs Homes for Cats and Dogs Amid an unprecedented surge in intakes, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has...

Elvis Meets Oedipus at the Getty Villa in Fall Premiere of Oedipus the King, Mama!

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

Getty Villa Stages Rock-Fueled Oedipus Satire Under the Stars The Getty Villa Museum will bring the myth of Oedipus to...

Retail and Dining Could be Coming to RAND’s Santa Monica Headquarters

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

The changes aim to revitalize the underutilized property, which has seen reduced occupancy due to post-pandemic hybrid work trends The...

(Video) Festival of Chariots Transforms Venice Beach Into a Showcase of Indian Culture

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

First held in Los Angeles in 1976, the festival draws inspiration from the ancient Jagannath Puri festival in India Festival...

Side-by-Side Beachfront Homes in Santa Monica  Hit Market for $23M Each

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

Designed with minimalist luxury, the residences showcase floor-to-ceiling glass walls and views of the Pacific Ocean Two modern beachfront homes,...