After nearly two decades serving plant-based soul food in the heart of Inglewood, Stuff I Eat will close permanently on Sunday, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most celebrated Black-owned restaurants.
Co-founded by Chef Babette Davis, who’s built a social media following on wellness and healthy aging, the restaurant became known not just for its vegan comfort food but for its role as a cultural and community gathering space for the last 18 years.
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from customers who love the whole-food, plant-based meals and viewed the restaurant as more than a place to eat.
“I just love the food. It’s so good, it’s so clean,” Sophia Chang told The LA Local on Friday after she drove from Sherman Oaks for one last meal. “The place has so much personality.”
The closing of Stuff I Eat highlights the mounting challenges facing small businesses along Inglewood’s Market Street corridor, where redevelopment efforts and rising rents are reshaping the landscape. Despite city-backed storefront renovation grants aimed at revitalizing the area, some legacy businesses have been unable to benefit, while others face displacement tied to property sales and escalating lease costs.
“I’m really saddened that it’s not going to be in our community because we need more of these, not less,” said Sovonto Green, who’s been vegan for more than 40 years and a Stuff I Eat customer since it first opened nearly 20 years ago.
Davis did not respond to The LA Local’s questions about why her restaurant is closing, but she suggested in Facebook video posts that this may not be the end of the brand.
Hinting at a future beyond the Market Street storefront, she encouraged customers to purchase the final collection of Stuff I Eat merchandise as mementos, including a recipe book, T-shirts and hoodies.
“April 26 may mark the end of our physical space, but not our spirit. Definitely not our spirit,” Davis said in a video statement on Facebook. “This is not goodbye, it’s a transition.”
Stuff I Eat’s departure adds to a growing list of businesses that have closed in downtown Inglewood.
Mona Holmes, editor for Eater LA, said it’s difficult for small businesses to thrive if city leaders aren’t investing and committed to their success.
“It really sucks that these longtime businesses that put in the work and were dedicated to the community, won’t be able to reap the rewards of the upcoming major events,” Holmes said, referring to this summer’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics coming to Inglewood.
As the last day of business for the restaurant approaches on Sunday, Davis has posted memories about what the restaurant has meant to her over the years on Facebook.
“Stuff I Eat has never just been a restaurant. It’s been a community. It’s been healing. It’s been love on a plate,” Davis said.
