The Long Beach Parklet program was the first of its kind in Southern California. Spearheaded by the City, the program was implemented to create greater incentives for local restaurant owners, retain business in disadvantaged neighborhoods and reinvigorate public spaces.

The pilot program began in 2011 and included three local parklets designed by Studio One Eleven—Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, Berlin Bistro and At Last Café. Since the program’s inception, all three restaurants have experienced tremendous success and the presence of parklets in Long Beach has drastically increased. Parklets are now recognized as simple, cost effective improvements that have significant effects on a restaurant’s sales, as well as the surrounding retail environment and urban fabric of a neighborhood. Since 2011, the City of Long Beach has constructed and permitted 11 parklets through the pilot program.