M Cafe de Chaya officially closed yesterday, October 21st, after three years of serving macrobiotic eats and brown-rice sushi to a hip downtown Culver City crowd. Native Foods, another vegan-friendly spot, is said to be replacing the restaurant. The closure was due to “a financial decision,” said a manager at the Melrose location. M Cafe is still going strong, however. The Melrose flagship has been around for five years, while the newest Beverly Hills outpost opened about two years ago.

As far as plans for the future? There have been talks about expanding to a different location but details are still being discussed, the Melrose manager explained. “A couple months ago they were saying something about opening in LAX, in one of the terminals, but I haven't heard anything about it since,” said an employee of the Beverly Hills M Cafe. It is “all stuck in limbo right now,” according to a PR rep. Sadly, Culver City locals will have to get their barbecue seitan sandwiches elsewhere. Native Foods perhaps?

M Cafe de Chaya: 9343 Culver Blvd, Culver City; (310) 838-4300.

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