Ben & Jerry’s

Venice Beach has never been the same since Sterling Hospitality entered the picture. Combining an Instagram-friendly tourist destination with some of the world’s best brands including Ben & Jerry’s and SurfDog (Nathan’s Hot Dogs), Sterling Hospitality is taking over the boardwalk.

Failed. What Happened?

Despite initial success, the store closed permanently on December 21, 2023, as local franchisee Klaus Möeller cited a surge in crime, drug activity, encampments, and safety concerns for staff and customers. The business reportedly lost over $200,000 during the pandemic, and unmanageable conditions made continued operation untenable.

By early 2024, the storefront was boarded up and later tagged with graffiti, reflecting its vacancy and the deteriorating commercial environment along the boardwalk. Venice Beach as a whole was failed by local governments, police, and other circumstances following the COVID pandemic, which ultimately lead to the closure of our Ben & Jerry’s location. A bit of a tragedy, really.