By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Additional restaurants within the community continue to reopen following closures due to the Palisades fire, including Moku Sushi and Chipotle, as well as Village General Store and Pacific West General Store.
Moku Sushi—located at 524 Palisades Drive in the Highlands—offers a menu that combines Japanese and Thai cuisine.
“It’s definitely a risky decision to open the restaurant right now, we felt a strong sense of responsibility to our community,” the Moku team told the Palisadian-Post. “We’ve always viewed Moku Sushi as more than just a business—it’s a place where people come together, share meals and create memories. Even in uncertain times, we wanted to ensure that we continue to be there for the community that has supported us.”
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, ranging from sashimi and house specialty rolls to premium nigiri. Moku Sushi was able to reopen April 1. It is currently open daily, from 12 to 8 p.m.
“We believe that reopening isn’t just about serving delicious food, but about offering a safe space for people to feel connected and supported,” the Moku team continued. “It’s our way of giving back to the place we proudly call home.”
Chipotle—located at 15207 Sunset Boulevard—reopened on Thursday, March 20. The eatery offers customizable bowls, burritos, tacos and salads.
In the wake of the fires, Chipotle committed $1 million in free burritos to support California wildfire relief efforts.
“As a Southern California-based company, we are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the wildfires, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this disaster,” Chipotle said in a statement. “Our nearby restaurant teams are providing thousands of burritos to the firefighters and first responders located at Los Angeles County Command Posts. We are also facilitating free meal cards and catering for organizations assisting individuals affected by the fires.”
Chipotle is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Robert Munakash told the Palisadian-Post Village General Store—located on Sunset Boulevard—and the Pacific West General Store—located at 17299 Pacific Coast Highway—are both currently open.
Village General Store was first to reopen on February 15. It is currently open seven days per week from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Taco Bell connected to the Pacific West General Store reopened on Monday, March 17, with a soft opening. The eatery is currently open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Reopening my gas stations after the Palisades fire was one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” Munakash shared with the Post. “All of my staff were determined to make it happen as quick as possible, doing everything we could do to support first responders, contractors, and provide essential fuel and supplies to my community. In times like these, it’s not just about business. It’s about standing together and helping each other.”
Previously reopened restaurants within the Palisades include Palisades Garden Café, Caffé Delfini, The Golden Bull, MUSE Santa Monica and Giorgio Baldi.
The Post has a list of reopened businesses within the community available at palipost.com/businesses.
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