For approximately three decades, Dulan’s on Crenshaw has been renowned for offering some of the finest soul food in South Los Angeles. From delectable fried chicken to perfectly stewed oxtails, velvety macaroni and cheese, greens, and delightful desserts, the restaurant founded by Adolf Dulan has maintained its popularity.
Greg Dulan, who took over the establishment from his late father in 2017, emphasizes the restaurant’s enduring presence, stating, “We have been there for over three decades, so we have generational customers. We give back, we support. We are active. We are a part of the Crenshaw community, part of the neighborhood.”
A beloved establishment in the Crenshaw District community, Dulan’s has hosted Hollywood elites such as Janet Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as serving as a pitstop for local and national politicians, including Joe Biden.
Dulan’s on Crenshaw Celebrates its Grand Reopening in South Los Angeles. (Credits: Yahoo)
However, despite the continued success of Dulan’s Inglewood location off Manchester Boulevard, especially with increased foot traffic since the opening of SoFi Stadium in the fall of 2020, the original location, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, remained closed for two and a half years. (Dulan’s in Inglewood, along with another location on Century Boulevard, is operated by Greg Dulan’s brother, Terry Dulan.)
After temporarily closing for renovations in 2021, reopening plans faced various challenges, including those caused by COVID-19 and the ongoing construction of the Metro K-Line.
Dulan reflects, “I probably should have quit and shut down my restaurant a couple of years ago. But I said, ‘No, I’m going to stay and try to find something.'”
This month, Dulan’s has finally reopened after an extensive renovation. Returning patrons will notice significant changes that elevate the ambiance. The exterior aesthetics have been updated, and both the indoor and outdoor areas now accommodate 50 seats each.
A rear patio for special events is under construction and will eventually seat 80 people. This space may host brunch events in the future. To cater to the potential influx of customers, a nearby nursery school was purchased and will be transformed into a parking lot.
Notably, there are now two kitchens, with one visible from the dining area. The celebrated menu that earned Dulan’s a James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur Award in 2023 remains unchanged, with a few additions. A late-night menu featuring items like fried chicken sandwiches and possibly shrimp and grits is in the works. Dulan is also considering opening the kitchen early for breakfast. Alcohol and specialty drinks are planned for the future.
Dulan expresses excitement about the changes, stating, “It’s going to add a lot of versatility to the neighborhood. We built something the community has been asking for. They want a nice sit-down restaurant.”
