Beard Papa’s Opens in Hollywood
Saturday, October 8, 2005 22:40The cream puffs started baking at 2AM on Saturday morning in preparation for the store’s highly anticipated 10AM opening. I arrived a few minutes after 10AM and found a long line that stretched to Hollywood Blvd., packs of Japanese media, and a Muginoho exec to talk to about the grand opening. The Hollywood & Highland branch of Beard Papa’s Sweets Cafe is franchised by the same folks who own L&L, the Hawaiian Barbecue chain predominant in the South Bay.
Just as Bobbo indicated earlier today, the Hollywood Beard Papa’s is working out the kinks before it starts offering more than vanilla flavored cream (repeatedly misspelled “cram” and “whipped cram” on the promotional one-sheet!). I’ve never tried coffee, chocolate, caramel or royal milk tea, but I’m looking forward to trying all the flavors. The first 1oo customers for the first 5 days to order a dozen or more cream puffs receive a stainless steel coffee thermos with Beard Papa’s face stenciled on. It’s pretty cute. The initial hours are from 10AM - 10PM but a spokesman said if they find that foot traffic is still going strong after 10PM, they may consider staying open later on weekends.
The Marukai Market in Gardena is the next Beard Papa’s store planned for Southern California. I was told it will open in November, but with the caveat that it would probably be subject to the same permitting issues as the Hollywood site. The Gardena location is supposed to be opening in the new Marukai food court, which personally, I can’t wait to check out. Muginoho is also eyeing the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica due to all the foot traffic there. They also want to be represented on the Westside of Los Angeles. These shops are completely dependent on high volume sales. Each cream puff is $1.50 and individual stores are expected to move at least 2,000 puffs a day. Earlier this month, two sites also opened in Hawaii.
A few fearless chowhounders made the trip on opening day and posted their reports here. I can’t believe we’ve been posting updates and commenting about Beard Papa’s first Los Angeles store opening on this site since early June. I am very glad to see this baby finally open.
Beard Papa’s
6801 Hollywood Blvd. #153
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.462.6100
Jonah says:
October 9th, 2005 at 9:38 am
Beautiful star wipe, nice work SoCalorie
Kristy says:
October 9th, 2005 at 10:22 am
I can’t believe the LINE!!!
SoCalorie says:
October 9th, 2005 at 10:26 am
Ha. Beard Papa was born to be star-wiped!
Bobbo says:
October 9th, 2005 at 1:38 pm
I had to go back today since I missed my thermos yesterday by maybe 10 people. In any case, a minor update. Still assuming you’re amongst the first 100 in there during each of the next 3 days, now you only need to buy 6 puffs to get your thermos (instead of the previous 12). It’s like an early Christmas!
SoCalorie says:
October 9th, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Have you been to BP’s three times this week? What are your parking and exercise secrets?
Bobbo says:
October 9th, 2005 at 4:27 pm
My parking secrets involve including the price of parking as the ’shipping and handling’ fee that I charge the other folks for whom I’m buying puffs :-P Otherwise, I got nothin, unfortunately.
As for exercise secrets, that’s a bit scarier to think about. Coincidentally, I’m visiting Japan for a few weeks, so I’m sure I’ll end up gorging on them there even more. Maybe Beard Papa really shouldn’t have opened so close to me…
MaxMillion says:
October 9th, 2005 at 5:45 pm
I’m pretty sure you can park deep in the bowels of the Crapopolis — sorry, the hideous H’wood n Highland complex — for $2, with validation, which I believe you can get at Beard Papa.
Will let you know tomorrow morn. I’m angling for that thermos.
So-cal — fantastic video. Really cool.
SoCalorie says:
October 9th, 2005 at 8:29 pm
When I go tomorrow AM that’ll make three visits for me too. My parking secret is to have a friend wait in the cab line with the engine running.
DVD Movie World says:
October 10th, 2005 at 1:37 am
Beard Papa’s Opens in Hollywood
[Source: la.foodblogging] quoted: The cream puffs started baking at 2AM on Saturday morning in preparation for the store’s highly anticipated 10AM opening. I arrived a few minutes after 10AM and found a long line that stretched to Hollywood Blvd….
Beopenguin says:
October 10th, 2005 at 2:08 am
Sweet! I made the video! I feel like a star. Glad you didn’t get me shoving all that sweet “whipped cram” into my mouth. I finished my cream puff treats to gorged myself at the (far superior to the overpriced Koji’s) Shabu Shabu House to celebrate. See you guys in the morning in line…
SoCalorie says:
October 10th, 2005 at 8:54 am
At least give us a hint… Where are you standing in the line?
MaxMillion says:
October 10th, 2005 at 10:46 am
Thought I’d be clever and go on Monday morning… Forgot it is a public holiday — d’oh!
$2 validated parking at the complex.
In any case, traffic was okay, got there at 9.45am, was outa there 10.09am clutching a yellow box containing 6 puffs — also snaffled my thermos. Very small thermos, but cute.
There were only five Japanese women in front of me, and they each bought a dozen and were given two thermos’ apiece.
Sorry, didn’t clock the line when I left.
So worth it — these cream puffs are heavenly! So crisp yet creamy at the same time. Wondering how long they’ll last before they go soggy, as I am going to take a few over to a friend’s place this evening.
In short, utterly delicious. Thanks, Beard Papa!
MaxMillion says:
October 10th, 2005 at 11:11 am
Forgot to mention — cash only
Bobbo says:
October 10th, 2005 at 12:45 pm
One thing that made me a bit disappointed is that I could have sworn I was served a warmer puff with the cool cream when I got one in Japan. I don’t think my memory is completely distorted since my pic of the bag from Japan calls out the ‘pipin’ hot’ part of the cream puff, and that wording is nowhere to be seen on the bags I got from H/H. Of course, the number of times I’ve already been back truly reflects the level of ‘disappointment’ I feel.
nealgardner says:
October 10th, 2005 at 3:48 pm
bobbo-
i too was surprised that the puffs were not served warm.i’ve been to all three locations in NY and the puffs are usually warm there (the one @ Zaiya Cafe can be unpredictable, though).
the gf and i were at the very front of the line on saturday, so we were expecting the puffs to be a bit warmer than what we were given. i guess we got some of the ones made shortly after 2am. nevertheless, i ate 9 puffs that day and each bite was like a taste of heaven.
LA boy says:
October 10th, 2005 at 9:09 pm
For the people they wonder why the puff is not warm is because of the cream is served cold. I love the feeling of eating it while the cold cream is coming out. I had the Beard Papa cream puff in Japan, Hong Kong, and now in LA and all of them are so so good.
SoCalorie says:
October 10th, 2005 at 9:19 pm
la.foodpornblogging.com!
Why We Type says:
October 12th, 2005 at 5:31 pm
Awesome post SoCal! Jonah, when do you start La.foodvlogging?
Mrs. Type and I went in today to see what the fuss was about. There were two cream puffs pre-filled in the case, and we took them–right before we got lunch. I was surprised how light they were! I expected a big butter bomb type experience, but I was very surprised. This was like eating an airy doughnut, that just happened to be filled with custard. What a nice surprise, and I’m going back when they start with the flavored fillings.
nealgardner says:
October 14th, 2005 at 3:07 pm
this is sad. my gf and i have been to beard papa so often this week that we are on a first name basis with some of the staff. the puffs were exceptionally good last night; crispier than on our past visits, and loaded with extra powdered sugar.
LA boy says:
October 21st, 2005 at 6:38 pm
I had the daily special Green Tea Cream Puff and it is just so special and is so good. They say they will have chocolate next week can’t wait.
SoCalorie says:
October 22nd, 2005 at 10:17 am
Thanks for the update re: BP now serving green tea… I heard that chocolate is being served starting Wednesday 26th. I suppose it’s best to call in advance before making the trip. I tried strawberry for the first time in NY this past weekend and it was frankenberryliscious.
Pauline says:
October 23rd, 2005 at 9:55 am
I totally thought of you as I was munching down my BP cream puff in Boston (vacation). Had a chat with the guy working there - he’s been reading la.foodblogging and talking with the owner of the LA branch. They are amazed at the response of the LA opening. Next BP in LA will be opening soon.
SoCalorie says:
October 24th, 2005 at 1:25 am
Well, hello Boston BP. What flavor did you have? Did you stock pile a bunch of food to bring “home?”
Blogging.LA says:
October 28th, 2005 at 6:16 pm
Weird name, tasty puff
A friend of mine returned from a NYC trip earlier this week raving about the miracle that is Beard Papa cream puffs. Since I was out of town earlier in the month, I had no idea a Beard Papa had…
BP LA says:
October 28th, 2005 at 6:17 pm
I tried the pumpkin cream puff the first time in Hollywood… I never like pumpkin pie but the pumpkin cream puff is absolutely wonderful. Happy Halloween.
LA boy says:
November 1st, 2005 at 4:12 pm
I tried the ECLAIR favor today and was so so so good. They put chocolate on top of the cream puff and the inside still remain the best vanilla cream. You shouldn’t miss it.
Veritas says:
November 3rd, 2005 at 5:06 pm
Up here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are not lucky enough to have a local Beard Papa yet. The key word being “yet”! In the works are 2 Beard Papa cafes to be open in SF and the Peninsula area (between San Jose and SF) by early next year. The little birdie who dropped this gem on me ensured me this isn’t rumor mill/vaporware. I’m chomping at the bit on this news!
SoCalorie says:
November 3rd, 2005 at 5:35 pm
Lucky! So where do you think the SF store will end up? Haight? Ferry Terminal? Union Sq.?
SoCalorie says:
November 3rd, 2005 at 9:49 pm
Or maybe Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf or Ghiradelli Sq.?
Veritas says:
November 8th, 2005 at 10:00 am
In regards to SF spots…Sony Metreon area.
In regards to the Peninsula…downtown Redwood City…next to Century Theaters (20-screens) in construction and the historic, live-venue Fox Theatre. I actually went to see Bill Cosby perform at the Fox and spotted the development. Can’t believe I will be 10mins tops away from the Peninsula cafe. Dinner, cream puffs, and a movie or live show…sounds like a great plan for any evening!
Bobbo says:
November 9th, 2005 at 11:19 am
Muginoho’s updated their website with a few more details on the upcoming locations. New BP opening at the Gardena Marukai Pacific on Fri. Nov. 25 @ 9:30am. Additional details tbd for the aforementioned San Francisco location as well as a location in the Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry.
Veritas says:
November 9th, 2005 at 11:50 am
The website spelling for the SF spot is incorrect. It is spelled Yerba Buena Lane…and that is across the street from the Sony Metreon on Mission (block away from the Moscone Center).
Veritas says:
November 9th, 2005 at 11:53 am
Hmm…just found another funny typo on the website reference to the SF spot. They spelled San Francisco…Sun Francisco…
SoCalorie says:
November 9th, 2005 at 11:58 am
Fun with engrish! Whipped cram in Sun Francisco.
Veritas says:
November 10th, 2005 at 1:18 pm
Muginoho’s typos have been fixed =).
SoCalorie says:
November 10th, 2005 at 1:59 pm
…keeping the internets typo-free one comment at a time.
LA boy says:
November 10th, 2005 at 7:11 pm
Anybody know when will they open the Puente Hills Mall location? I have a lot of Asain friends are asking.
Kitty Young says:
November 10th, 2005 at 11:36 pm
I walk by Puente Hill Mall location and it’s in construction. Hopefully after Thanksgiving… Cream Puff !!!! Seems like Veritas is related to Muginoho. Do you have any inside information that you can tell us???
Veritas says:
November 11th, 2005 at 9:16 am
I’ll ping my informant and see what I can get regarding Puente Hills.
I personally don’t have any direct ties to Muginoho. I’m simply a HUGE fan of their puffs. I would love to look into franchising if I had a money tree. In the meantime I’ll keep handing over my buck and change for a cream puff every chance I get ;).
SoCalorie says:
November 14th, 2005 at 12:26 pm
Starting today, Mon. Nov. 14, Beard Papa’s is serving Green Tea puffs.
If you buy a combo of any six cream puffs, you get a cute BP key chain:
http://beardpapasweetscafe.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albu
mName=album01
MaxMillion says:
November 14th, 2005 at 3:09 pm
A cute keychain to match my mini thermos — COOL!
Now I have another excuse to get over there and try those new filling flavours. Hope they still carry eclaires and choc custard. Better try the green tea one, while I’m at it.
What with Leda’s bakeshop nearby, roast goose dinners and Beard Papa’s and all those other bakeries such as Breadbar opening up, it’s shaping up to be a gastroniomically exciting holiday season!
Bobbo says:
November 14th, 2005 at 8:05 pm
No Green Tea today :( They did have the keychains, but the Green Tea ain’t coming until tomorrow, Tues. Nov. 15. They did have a chocolate puff though in addition to the aforementioned eclair flavor. It is a chocolate creme inside the puff with a little cocoa dusting on top instead of the powdered sugar.
Veritas says:
November 17th, 2005 at 12:53 pm
I’ve been told that the target date for Puente Hills is Dec 1st.
LA boy says:
November 22nd, 2005 at 12:03 am
I live in Diamond Bar and checking there store out in Puente Hills Mall every other day. They are next to the AMC wing. Just can’t wait for them to open up.
Sweet Tooth says:
November 22nd, 2005 at 12:20 pm
I tried my first creme puff and they are awesome. I here a store will be opening up in the peninsula in the Bay area. I just can’t wait.
LA boy says:
November 29th, 2005 at 10:47 pm
They are giving away key chain when you buy 6 or more. so cute
LA boy says:
December 1st, 2005 at 10:36 pm
There is a very good review from LA Times about Beard Papa’s Cream Puff in Hollywood.
http://www.calendarlive.com/dining/cl-wk-critic24nov24,2,4535711.story
Hurley says:
December 8th, 2005 at 9:39 pm
Dude, when it the Puente Hills location gonna be opening?
Hurley says:
January 11th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Dude… food is running low in the hatch! We need cream puffs here on the island now!
Bobbo says:
January 31st, 2006 at 3:55 pm
FYI, Beard Papa’s site says the Puente Hills location is opening this Sat., Feb. 4th at 10am, so mount up.
Veritas says:
February 6th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
Found this gem while googling Beard Papa’s in the Bay Area. Good news is it makes mention of Beard Papa’s in Redwood City (SF area), bad news is we have to wait until May 2006. http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_3480676
Sweet Tooth says:
February 6th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
This is great. Beard Papa coming to the SF area. I enjoyed the creme puffs in southern cal and finally it’s my area. Can’t wait…..
eric says:
May 8th, 2006 at 11:14 pm
Beard Papa is coming to San Francisco on May 12. There located on the corner of Mission and Yerba Buena Lane. Btwn 3rd and 4th Street.
I’m looling forward to sinking my teeth into them.
Chris says:
May 22nd, 2006 at 8:47 am
Beard papa is the best! Love those cream puffs!
Santa Monica Kid says:
June 29th, 2006 at 3:39 pm
I saw on LaLaLa (Japanese News) that Beard Papa is Grand Opening in Sawtelle Ave 7/1. They are giving away Thermos. Love those thermos. I’ll definitely be there this weekend.
Kristy says:
July 29th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Went to the new Sawtelle location tonight for my Beard Papa’s fix - along with some shaved ice from Catch 22 across the street. Too bad I missed ANOTHER opening and didn’t get a thermos. =( Why don’t they just sell those things at their stores?! Anyone got an extra one that they’d like to give me???