Companion Bringing Friendly Vibes To Venice

On a tip from a reader (Thanks Jeff!) I went by the former location of Matthew Kenney’s ill-fated pizza restaurant Double Zero at 1700 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice to see what was going on.  You may recall that an ABC application went up earlier this year announcing the new business as Gnarwal Coffee Co., the socially conscious organic coffee purveyor with a location on Main Street in Santa Monica.  It appears the concept has pivoted slightly, and they have since opened under the name Companion.  The new self-described neighborhood cafe and restaurant is currently open from 7am to 3pm for coffee, pastry, and sandwiches with the promise of dinner and wine soon.  Until then, read more about their vision and food here.

Gnarwhal Coffee Co. Expands To Venice

Cozy local java joint Gnarwhal Coffee Co. is apparently branching out from its buzzy Main Street location to an even buzzier neighborhood.  There’s an ABC application up at 1700 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice, previously home to the troubled Double Zero, letting us know that Gnarwhal is moving in.  I’m sure that organic, socially responsible coffee will be on the menu, but so will beer and wine according to the ABC app, so this may be a slightly different concept that their Main St. branch.

What’s Going On At Double Zero In Venice?

I first noticed that plant-based pioneer Matthew Kenney was bringing his New York pizzeria concept Double Zero to 1700 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice back in 2019.  Recently however, the space has gone dark.  There’s no notice up and the tables inside are still set, but there hasn’t been any activity for a few weeks.  A reader (Thanks Sasha!) managed to snap a picture of an eviction notice on the front that has since disappeared.  Does this mean the end of Double Zero at this location?

(Photo Courtesy of Sasha I.)

Double Zero, Matthew Kenney’s Plant-Based New York Pizzeria Coming To Venice

Creative, plant-based superstar chef Matthew Kenney continues to expand his empire.  A small piece of paper on the side of the space at 1700 Lincoln Blvd., in an increasingly fashionable stretch of Venice, lets us know that Double Zero will soon be inhabiting the erstwhile Italian deli.  And what is Double Zero?  With its flagship store in the East Village in New York, Double Zero will soon deliver to Venice vegan pizza from a custom wood burning oven, small plates including their proprietary plant-based cheeses, and desserts with sustainable European wines served in a “warm casual environment”.

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