Raising Cane’s may not be converting the iconic Googie location of Norms in Los Angeles after all.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based chicken finger specialist withdrew plans submitted to the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission to take over the historic building in West Hollywood, where Norms has been operating for 67 years.
The restaurant is known for its unique pennant-sawtooth sign that for many is a defining symbol of LA. The building, however, was acquired by Raising Cane’s in 2021 for $16 million, though the Southern California-based diner chain Norms has continued to operate there.
But Norms’ lease is scheduled to expire in 2026, and Raising Cane’s had planned to convert the unit—while maintaining the beloved midcentury Googie design that has become a city landmark.
Even though the look of the restaurant would have stayed largely the same, fans of the historic location expressed outrage at the proposed change.
The commission’s website was flooded with letters arguing in support of keeping Norms at the site—though the commission has no authority over what type of businesses operate in historic locations.
Raising Cane’s in a statement said those fans will not be ignored.
“We have heard the community’s concerns, and we are in discussions with Norms about the future of the site,” a brand spokesperson said.
What that means remains unclear. The company declined to give more detail, and Norms did not immediately respond to a press request.
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