THE CHURCH KEY FACES LOCKOUT

With insurmountable debts owed to distributors and suppliers, and a staff of four (including a dishwasher who doubles on salads), The Church Key, which opened its doors in 2013, is now faced with the challenge of reinventing itself from its push-cart gimmick of “New American” fare like Ruben Empanadas and salute to the 1980s Crab Meat Crepe to something that will hopefully bring in a newer, younger crowd. Ryan Ososky continues to ride solo as Executive Chef since the departure of Steve Fretz in 2016; bringing on self-proclaimed “boundary pusher”, Justin Abram, as Chef de Cuisine in December following his brief stint as Executive Chef at Girasol in Studio City.

A figurehead at best and void of any new ideas outside suggesting trends that other LA restaurants are following or starting, Ososky would best go where his passions lie and ride his bike into the Sunset delivering Detroit Style Pizzas made from his house and let Abram take control of the wheel. Given its limited monetary resources, however, it’s unlikely that even at the hands of someone new, The Church Key will most likely lock its doors by March.

Best stock up on them donuts and popcorn before they do.

UPDATE: The Church Key closed its doors following service on April 1, 2018. (SOURCE: EATER LA)

Chef Ososky is currently doing the pop-up thing; serving up Detroit Style Pizza under the unfortunately named, D-Town Pizzeria.

Chef Abram currently serves as Chef de Cuisine for Calabra Rooftop at Santa Monica Proper Hotel.