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  beard papa!
 
  Originally uploaded by sturgill.
 

The official word from a Muginoho USA exec today is that the Beard Papa’s Sweets Cafe, destined for the Hollywood and Highland Center, is on hold until mid-September.

Yes, originally we were given the official date as sometime from late-July to mid-August. Sadly, Beard Papa’s has permitting issues gumming up the works.

But hey, when has a restaurant ever opened in a timely fashion in this town?

The H&H Center site recently added a small write-up about Beard Papa’s, and it at least conveys the illusion that the ball is rolling:

Beard Papa’s Sweets Cafe will open on the grand staircase in (mid) September. When the Japanese chain opened its first two American Outlets in New York (last) spring, lines for the popular pastires began snaking around the block. The cafe’s speciality is light, crispy cream puffs, filled to order on a mini assembly line with a mixture of whipped cream and (Madagascar) vanilla bean custard, then dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

When Beard Papa’s does throw open its doors, prepare to meet the maker, one Yuji Hirota, the original “double-layer” puff inventor. Hirota is scheduled to attend the opening during which time the company is also planning some free giveaways in order to thank Hollywood cream puff fans for our undying love, support and patience. Just choux me, already! Please.

Opps. One more thing. I hate to be a grinch, but for those of you who have been telling your pals that Beard Papa’s really does exist, check this, straight from the lips of Minoru Inagaki, president of the U.S. division of Japanese conglomerate Muginoho which owns Beard Papa’s:

When our company’s founder, Mr. Yuji Hirota, created our logo, he wanted to choose something that would bring people the cheerful, energetic mood associated with the Christmas holidays. So he chose a Santa-like character, but then changed the color of his outfit from red to yellow to signify that you can be in a joyful holiday mood all year at Beard Papa’s.