As Dulan’s on Crenshaw approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Greg Dulan reflects on a legacy nearly half a century in the making.
“It is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment,” he said. “It makes me and my siblings extremely proud.”
Few businesses, especially Black-owned ones, reach that kind of milestone. For Dulan, the success is personal, but also deeply rooted in purpose. “We know how rare it is to still be standing this strong.”
The Crenshaw community has long been part of that strength. “I opened the restaurant in 1992, right after the Rodney King riots,” Dulan said. “I actually saw Crenshaw burning.
“I’ve always wanted Dulan’s to be a positive space,” he continued. “A place for good food, yes—but also for family, friendship, and fellowship.” That commitment to community hasn’t changed.
What has changed is the neighborhood itself. As new developments rise and demographics shift, Dulan has worked to evolve while staying true to the soul of the business. One of the biggest changes came in 2024.
That year, Dulan entered an exclusive partnership with DoorDash — something he had long resisted. “When delivery apps started, they felt predatory,” he said. “They charged 30% fees and added us without permission.”
During the pandemic, however, everything shifted. “We had to find ways to survive,” Dulan said. “That’s when we began to see third-party delivery as a lifeline instead of a threat.”
DoorDash approached Dulan’s differently than others had. “They didn’t just offer logistics—they offered support,” he said. “They provided marketing, technology, and real business strategy.”
Through the partnership, DoorDash helped Dulan’s launch a custom ordering platform. “It boosted our web traffic by 300 to 400 visitors a day,” Dulan said. “That’s a huge increase.”
Revenue followed quickly. “We saw an immediate 25% jump in sales,” he said. “DoorDash has helped us grow while still focusing on quality and service.”
The partnership now accounts for a quarter of Dulan’s business. “We have weekly calls with them about strategy,” Dulan said. “It truly feels like a partnership, not just a platform.”
To support demand, Dulan’s built a second kitchen dedicated to takeout orders. “There are 900 new apartments going up nearby,” he said. “We needed to be ready.”
But despite all the business growth, Dulan’s heart remains in service. When wildfires hit LA in early 2025, he and his team stepped up—partnering with World Central Kitchen to provide meals.
“We served over 40,000 meals,” he said. “We were feeding first responders, evacuees—anyone who needed help.” The emotional toll was real. “People were crying, hugging us, just thankful for a hot meal.”
Dulan credits the effort to his team and dozens of volunteers. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” he said. “It was the most rewarding work I’ve done outside of raising my kids.”
Though many now call him the “King of Soul Food,” Dulan stays humble. “That title belonged to my father,” he said. “He and my mom started all of this in 1975 with a small hamburger stand.”
That stand became a symbol of faith, risk, and family dedication. “They left county jobs to follow a dream,” he said. “They built the foundation—I just carried it forward.”
Now, nearly 50 years later, customers still come through the doors with stories, thanks, and loyalty. “They call us icons,” Dulan said. “We don’t see it that way—we’re just proud to serve.”
