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Pann’s began with George and Rena Panagopoulos’ dream of moving to California and having a successful family business. George, a Greek immigrant, enlisted in the US Air Force and was later sent to Italy where he cooked in the field for our troops and Generals during World War II.
There, in the military field, he became known as the cook with “Just Wonderful Food” as he traded with the locals for fresh vegetables and meats that couldn’t be found elsewhere. And that’s how Coffee Shops really began: with foods that had to be cooked fast, taste good, and done by someone with a whole lot of heart and a little entrepreneurial skill.
In early 1947 George cooked at The Pantry in North Hollywood for a year and then opened Rena’s Café in the heart of Inglewood. With no other staff, George cooked and Rena waited tables six days a week.
Then, in 1951, George learned how to really manage a full size restaurant at the Yum Burger on Manchester Blvd.. Following their hopes and dreams, they opened Pann’s in 1958. The futuristic design from Armet and Davis, George’s food and Rena’s hospitality ensured the restaurant’s immediate success, striking a chord with guests seeking freshness, quality and comfort in their dining experience.
The Panagopoulos family continues the tradition of the “Googie” style architecture. Pann’s has received The Los Angeles Conservancy’s Award for best example of “Classic 50’s Coffee Shop” in our city and has been the location choice for numerous award winning films such as PULP FICTION, XXX, BEWITCHED and most recently NEXT.
Committed local community support for almost 50 years has made it possible for Pann’s to open its doors every day to serve it’s valued and loyal patrons. Through their many years of hard work George and Rena have inspired us to continue with their vision and commitment to excellence. George’s spirit is still with us and Rena at age 89, the “Queen of Hospitality”, can be found most any day greeting and embracing our long time patrons and warmly welcoming all of the new ones.
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Sincerely, The Poulos Family |
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