After conquering the streetwear space with his brand The Hundreds, Ben Shenassafar – better known as Ben Hundreds – is breaking ground in the restaurant industry.
The entrepreneur will be opening his first restaurant, The Benjamin, in Los Angeles next week. Situated within a 1920s Art Deco-style building in Hollywood, the spot aims to deliver an upscale take on American classics.
For the effort, Shenassafar has teamed up with Executive Chef Johnny Cirelle, who formerly worked at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, along with mixologist Nathan Oliver, culinary strategist Kate Burr and bar proprietor Jared Meisler.
Cirelle has curated a sophisticated lineup of American classics, from shrimp cocktails to chicken wings to salads. Ben Shenassafar has his own burger: The Benjamin Burger, containing hickory sauce, grilled onion and house-made pickles. Other heavyweights on the menu include a Wagyu house strip and a roasted branzino with red chimichurri. On the dessert front are a carrot cake, sticky toffee pudding and more.
Oliver, meanwhile, has developed an extensive bar menu, offering a twist on classic cocktails, with all drinks made using seasonal ingredients.
The Benjamin encompasses a 58-seat dining room and a 15-seat bar. All staff will be outfitted in uniforms courtesy of The Hundreds.
While The Benjamin may mark Shenasaffar’s debut restaurant, he’s no stranger to the culinary space, having served as the host of Tastemade’s cooking show Big Appetite.
The Benjamin officially opens on June 25 with reservations available now. The restaurant will serve dinner Tues through Sat from 5:30pm to late.
The Benjamin
7174 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
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