Archives for April 11, 2025

Pink’s Hot Dogs, arguably one of the most iconic culinary institutions in Los Angeles, is set to open a new location at L.A.’s only zoo. The partnership between the Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s will bring the world-famous hot dogs to the more than 1.5 million annual zoo visitors beginning Friday, April 11.

“The Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s Hot Dogs are both deeply rooted in Los Angeles’s history and culture, and this partnership is one that I believe every Angeleno will enjoy,” said Denise Verret, CEO & zoo director, Los Angeles Zoo. “One of the greatest aspects of the Zoo is that we are uniquely L.A., and there is no better place for one of L.A.’s legendary eateries that has been a staple in our community for more than 85 years.”

Known for its long-enduring hot dog stand adorned with signed headshots of its famous visitors on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose in Hollywood, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been a Los Angeles favorite and landmark since 1939. The restaurant boasts a wide variety of hot dogs and hamburgers named after celebrities who have patronized the legendary establishment, including famous Los Angeles Zoo supporter Betty White, who had a commemorative hot dog named for her in 2010. The Zoo’s partnership with Pink’s Hot Dogs deepens the uniquely L.A. experiences for everyone who visits the Zoo.

“Pink’s Hot Dogs does not open locations just anywhere. The L.A. Zoo is a treasured institution in the Los Angeles community, and the marriage of our two brands is a perfect fit,” said Richard Pink, co-owner, Pink’s Hot Dogs. “Pink’s has been a supporter and partner to the Zoo for many years, and now we’ll be able to offer everyone who visits the Zoo items from our one-of-a-kind menu that’s made us famous.”

Opening adjacent to the Zoo’s new Cape Vulture Plaza, Pink’s new Zoo location will offer its staple menu items, including local favorites like Pink’s Famous Chili Dog, the Guadalajara Dog, and of course, the Betty White Dog. The new location will be open to Zoo visitors starting Friday, April 11, 2025.

About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.

About Pink’s Hot Dogs, Inc
A Hollywood landmark since 1939, this hot dog stand serves over 1200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day. Pink’s was started in 1939 by Richard’s and Beverly’s parents, Paul and Betty Pink, with a pushcart they purchased for $50, which money they borrowed from Betty’s mother. The land on which the pushcart stood was leased by Paul and Betty for $15 per month. Hot dogs at that time were 10 cents and cokes were a nickel. Pinks attributes its longevity and its success to the tastiness of its hot dogs, which snap when you bite into them, its never ending hot dog menu combinations, its loyal long-term staff of over 24, many of whom have been with Pink’s for over ten years, its unique 1946 open kitchen curb side stand and relaxed dining room and patio seating, its Hollywood location and atmosphere, its appearances nationwide in movies and TV and its commitment to the community through its chili dogs for charity program. Pink’s is often referred to as “A Hollywood Legend Since 1939” but the Pink family likes to say “We are the little hot dog stand that could.” Visit www.pinkshollywood.com.

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

Laguna Art Museum is proud to present Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour, a powerful exhibition showcasing a series of works created between 1997 and 2001 by the late feminist artist Carole Caroompas. The exhibition, guest curated by Rochelle Steiner, will be on view from Sunday, March 30 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, and offers an exploration of Caroompas’s most consistent theme: gender and power relations. This is seen here through her recasting of Heathcliff from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and other personae, including some stylized in her self-image.

“This exhibition offers a bold and thought-provoking narrative that invites viewers to engage with Caroompas’ unique approach to gender, identity and the dynamics of power,” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum “Her fearless exploration of these themes will resonate deeply with those who appreciate the intersection of art and cultural critique.”

With a confident approach, Caroompas used a variety of materials and artistic methods, including painting, collage, embroidery and found imagery, to delve into themes of sexuality, identity and the subversion of traditional constructs. She merged influences from art history, rock music,  literature, film and advertising, creating a body of work that reflected and challenged societal norms. Known for her dynamic compositions and bold use of color, Caroompas utilized techniques often associated with “women’s work” or craft, including stitching and embroidery, bringing them directly into contemporary, feminist discourse.

“Carole Caroompas was a bold, groundbreaking artist whose work was ahead of its time,” said Rochelle Steiner, curator of the exhibition. “Her investigation led her to consider power—between individuals and within society—and to take a stance and propose alternatives that resonate well beyond her era.” 

Consistently throughout her career, Caroompas considered and subverted gender roles, power dynamics and the construction of identity. She did this at a time when opportunities for women artists were considerably more limited than they are now. Against this backdrop, her paintings were tough, noisy and radical.  

Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour is organized by Laguna Art Museum and is guest curated by Rochelle Steiner.

On March 30 at 11 a.m., artist Cliff Benjamin, who leads the Carole Caroompas Estate, and exhibition guest curator Rochelle Steiner will engage in a conversation about the exhibition as a ticketed program. Benjamin and Steiner will discuss the Heathcliff series and her unique—and often challenging—approach to artmaking as part of the talk. Tickets will be available soon at lagunaartmuseum.org/event-calendar.

For more information about Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.

 Epic Entertainment Group, a Los Angeles-based company renowned for crafting extraordinary live experiences, is proud to announce it will donate Crayola products valued at more than $60,000 and host a special creativity-focused afternoon for Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica designed to support mental wellness and inspire artistic expression among local youth and families impacted by recent wildfires. This uplifting event is scheduled for April 30th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Playground Club at Franklin Elementary School located at 2400 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

Charity Hill, Co-Founder of Epic Entertainment Group, shared, “As parents ourselves, Steve and I deeply understand the vital role that creative expression plays in emotional and mental well-being, especially during challenging times. Our hope is that this will offer a meaningful outlet and bring some joy and comfort to these families, especially the children.”

Epic Entertainment Group is donating over $60,000 worth of Crayola creativity kits, a significant contribution aimed at providing lasting inspiration and fostering artistic expression among those most affected. This generous donation reflects Epic’s commitment to uplifting its Southern California community through creativity and compassion. Each child will take home a Crayola creativity kit filled with engaging tools to spark imagination and support continued emotional healing through art, in addition to the hands-on activities at the event.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica expressed their appreciation for the partnership. CEO, Brynja Seagren stated, “The support from Epic Entertainment Group helps us continue providing essential resources to our community. When we encourage creativity, we nurture resilience and emotional strength, empowering kids to overcome hardships with confidence and imagination.”

The event promises an engaging hour of creative activities, fostering a sense of community and providing a supportive environment for children and families to explore and enjoy art as a therapeutic outlet.

Date: April 30, 2025

Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Playground Club at Franklin Elementary School

Address: 2400 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

For more information about Epic Entertainment Group, visit EpicEntertainmentGroup.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, visit smbgc.org

Credit: Epic Entertainment Group.