If you’ve ever visited Los Angeles, chances are good that you spent some time on Sunset Boulevard, the historic Los Angeles street that spans practically the entire length of the city, from the Pacific Ocean to downtown.
If you haven’t visited L.A., you’ll still recognize a particular section of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, called the Sunset Strip. It’s been a scene-stealer in probably 100 movies and is known for its massive billboards.
The Strip has always been one of Los Angeles’s most dynamic neighborhoods. A blend of luxury hotels, boutique shopping, nightlife, and celebrity appeal, the Sunset Strip has long been a cultural bellwether. What’s hot here often sets the tone for greater L.A.
For decades, restaurants and bars along this glitzy corridor have attracted tourists and locals alike. But lately, the Sunset Strip has become a cautionary tale about the challenges facing the hospitality industry, especially for independent and legacy restaurants.
Changing tastes, rising rents, and post-pandemic behavior shifts have forced many once-thriving spots to close.
And one of the Strip’s most recognizable dining landmarks is the latest to join the list.
Chin Chin’s Chinese chicken salad is one of its popular menu items and has been on the menu since day one.
Image source: The Washington Post/Getty Images
Chin Chin is closing on Sunset Blvd. after more than 40 years
Chin Chin, the upscale Chinese fusion restaurant chain that helped define casual fine dining in L.A. during the 1980s and 1990s, will permanently close its flagship West Hollywood location on July 27, 2025. The announcement came via the restaurant’s Instagram on May 31 and caught longtime fans by surprise, as reported in Eater.
“After 45 unforgettable years in West Hollywood, we are heartbroken to announce that Chin Chin will be unexpectedly closing its doors at our Sunset Plaza location…” the post read.
Related: One of Texas’s oldest BBQ joints is closing permanently after 34 years
Known for its Chinese chicken salad, potstickers, and California-style dim sum, Chin Chin opened in 1983 and quickly became a favorite among locals, UCLA students and A-list celebrities. Regulars over the years included Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Megan Fox, and Sean Hayes, helping to elevate the brand beyond its menu and into L.A. lore.
More Food:
Applebee’s brings back all-you-can-eat deal to take down Chili’sPopular Mexican chain reveals surprising growth plansStarbucks CEO shares plan for a whole new menu
The Sunset Strip neighborhood has seen a surprising amount of turnover in the past year.
Earlier in 2025, restaurants including the Den, Hudson House, Le Petit Four, and Rock & Reilly’s abruptly shut down. French bistro Tesse closed in late 2024 after a six-year run, adding to the growing list of local casualties.
A trend that’s hitting legacy L.A. restaurants hard
Chin Chin’s closure may be the latest, but the closures on Sunset Blvd. collectively speak to larger industry trends. Independent restaurants, particularly those in high-rent, high-profile areas like the Sunset Strip, have been hit hard by rising labor costs, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences.
Diners are increasingly looking for experiential, often tech-enabled dining or lower-cost convenience, putting pressure on traditional full-service spots.
At the same time, landlords in trendy neighborhoods often favor new concepts that bring media buzz and high-volume traffic. That churn can push out older businesses, even those with strong customer loyalty and decades of history.
Related: Beloved local family diner closing after nearly 40 years
Still, it’s not as if the Strip is dying. A major new food hall, Round 1 Delicious, is set to open with eight high-end Japanese restaurants under one roof. Michelin-starred chef Aitor Zabala also plans to reopen his acclaimed tasting-menu restaurant, Somni, just a few blocks away.
These moves signal that while some businesses are being priced out or aged out, the area continues to attract bold new investment.
As for Chin Chin, the outpouring of support online suggests the brand still has cultural cachet and plenty of customer demand.
The restaurant launched a GoFundMe campaign to support staff and perhaps fund a future relocation. Chin Chin’s other locations in Brentwood, Studio City, and Las Vegas will remain open, so you can still get your hands on the best Chinese chicken salad around.
Related: Iconic Las Vegas Strip eatery permanently closes after long run
