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Lead Staff

Andrew & Peter Loucas
Owners

Daniel Heaney, C.I.A.
Executive Chef

historic diner

serving long beach since

1932
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The Laurel Diner, once neighbor to the old Laurel Theater, has been serving the public for nearly 90 years (since 1932 to be exact). It is a place that many Long Beach locals frequent on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis, making it the unofficial (but acknowledged) institution of Long Beach.

Some remember the Laurel as The Laurel Luncheonette - the place they bought their candy and soda from before their movie. For others, it was a place they took their date to share a banana split and a wing-ding. And for others still, it was their shelter from the weather when awaiting the bus. But mostly, the Laurel was the spot where generations of families ritually had their weekend breakfast. It is a place where families came for a home cooked meal served by a friendly staff, at reasonable prices.

Although the Laurel may be a place of old memories, it continues to be a place that makes new ones. With a more diversified menu, talented personnel, top-grade ingredients such as choice meats from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors (ranked best in the country), antibiotic free Bell & Evans whole chickens, locally baked bread, farm fresh eggs from Sauder Farms of Pennsylvania and the freshest produce directly from Hunts Point Market, the Laurel is the go to spot for great fare. But if you don’t want to take our word for it, check out some of our awards and reviews down below. Better yet, if you’re in town, drop in and see first hand why locals and “snow-birds” love the Laurel.

HISTORY

The Enduring Legacy of The Laurel: From Theater to Timeless Eatery

In 1932, the grand Laurel Theater emerged as a Long Beach landmark, a bold and ambitious project brought to life by the renowned duo Rugoff and Becker. With a staggering $425,000 price tag, this marvel of its time spanned an impressive 180 by 100 feet and was designed to seat 2,000 guests. Equipped with an advanced $75,000 cooling system, comparable to those in the legendary New York Paramount and Roxy theaters, it offered an unparalleled cinematic and vaudeville experience, drawing crowds eager for both entertainment and luxury.

Yet, beyond the grandeur of its flashing marquee and plush velvet seats, tucked into the southwest corner of the theater, was a hidden gem—the Laurel Luncheonette. This small but lively convenience store quickly became a go-to spot for moviegoers looking to indulge in candy, ice cream, and soda pops before or after a show. Though the original proprietors remain unknown, its legacy began to take shape in 1952, when Herman and Rickey Pine took ownership, transforming it into a beloved community staple. For 26 years, the couple served generations of Long Beach locals, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity.

In 1978, the luncheonette changed hands once more, passing to Bonnie and Phil Silberman, who continued the tradition until 1989, when Gus Panayiotakis and his wife, along with business partner John Sakellis, took over. Their stewardship preserved the nostalgic charm of the eatery for 17 years, ensuring that it remained a cherished fixture in the neighborhood. However, during their tenure, a significant shift took place—the Laurel Theater was permanently severed from the Laurel Luncheonette. The once-glorious theater, a cultural cornerstone that had even hosted Long Beach High School graduation ceremonies, had fallen into severe disrepair. With no viable path to restoration, it was torn down and replaced with the CVS that stands in its place today.

The loss of the Laurel Theater was deeply felt throughout the community. It had been more than just a movie house—it was a repository of cherished memories. Even Billy Crystal immortalized it in his autobiographical Broadway show, "700 Sundays," recalling his childhood in Long Beach and the unforgettable moment of his first kiss in the theater’s balcony. Years later, he returned to visit the Laurel Diner, signing a photo in which he fondly noted that his favorite order was a vanilla shake and a burger.

Despite the theater’s demolition, the Laurel Luncheonette remained standing, carrying the weight of history and the affection of longtime patrons. In 2006, the Loucas family took over, embracing the responsibility of preserving its legacy. Customers frequently shared their nostalgia, reminiscing about the diner’s deep connection to the old theater. Recognizing the significance of these memories, the Loucas family embarked on a transformative project.

After enduring floods, multiple fires, and the passage of time, they decided that the Laurel needed to be rebuilt. In 2014, the beloved eatery underwent a complete renovation and redesign, carefully crafted to pay homage to the original theater it was once a part of. Today, the Laurel Diner stands not just as a restaurant, but as a tribute to a bygone era—a living monument to the golden days of Long Beach, where the spirit of the Laurel Theater continues to thrive in every meal served and every story shared.

Now, in 2025, after 21 years of ownership, brothers Andrew and Peter Loucas continue to serve the best burgers and shakes in town, blending time-honored flavors with a flair of nostalgia. Their unwavering dedication ensures that the Laurel Diner remains a cherished piece of Long Beach history, where every bite comes with a taste of the past and a warm welcome for the future.

And even today, the Laurel is still making history. The diner has been featured in various television productions, adding another layer to its storied past. The most exciting feature yet is set to debut on April 24th, when Netflix’s hit series "You" will showcase the Laurel as a filming location. Fans of the show will see Joe Goldberg, the infamous anti-hero, paying a visit to the diner in one, possibly two episodes.

As the Laurel continues to serve up nostalgia, its presence in pop culture ensures that its legacy will live on for generations to come. From a modest convenience store tucked into a grand theater to a community fixture that has stood the test of time, the Laurel Diner remains a living piece of Long Beach history—a testament to the generations who have kept its spirit ali