Reminiscing on the endless work in harvesting one of the most savory spots in L.A., Post & Beam Head Chef John Cleveland said, “I thought I was going to cook by that pizza oven until the day I die,” smiling at the memories of feeling the roaring heat when he cooked in what was considered his second home, Chef John would drive to Post & Beam six days a week and deliver soulful elegance to the community of South L.A. and beyond.
Roni sat across from her son Miles at the restaurant, smiling at the last time she would play chess with him at an open table. It felt like a secret club nestled behind perfectly trimmed bushes for those two.
Roni and John Cleveland shared their sweet goodbyes to their restaurant that hosted over decade of memories in an exclusive interview with the L.A. Sentinel.
In a bittersweet announcement to loyal supporters, Post & Beam, the beloved Baldwin Hills restaurant, will be closing its doors on Feb. 27, due to a timing conflict in a long-planned redevelopment of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
Chef John noted a refreshing level of transparency and communication from all parties involved. The Post & beam family felt public servants like Councilmember Marqueece Harris- Dawson and representatives of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza made the transition easy and hassle free. Unfortunately, due to the date for expansion and renovations, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza missed the opportunity to keep Post & Beam in its original location.
“Getting the opportunity to own a business in the neighborhood I grew up in has been one of the highlights of my life,” Roni said, “It’s been our families collective dream to operate a restaurant of this caliber. We’ve successfully carried the torch. We did it.”
Post & Beam on Santa Rosalia Drive was the place for first dates, a place to take loved ones that were from out-of-town; it was the spot for girls’ night out. It’s where movers and shakers in the business world clinked their glasses and celebrated their new expansion. By the first “hello” from the hostess, to enjoying the food and receiving the check, one felt like their floating in a candle lit oasis that was made special for their memories.
In order to preserve the restaurant’s distinctive characteristics in a new format, catering services will be offered for special dinners, private parties, and other occasions. Updates on catering services will be posted on the restaurant’s social media channels and Instagram account.
The magic was everywhere; in the food, in the aesthetic, in the staff and in the community Post & Beam served for over 10 years. Roni and Chef John transcended elegance in a shade of Black culture that felt formal and grounded to the roots of South L.A. One could feel the love radiating in every bite of Jerk Catfish, Braised Oxtail Hash and Pecan Pie French Toast, topped with cinnamon cream and bourbon caramel Sauce.
Post & Beam has been more than simply a restaurant for more than ten years; it’s been a neighborhood hub where families and friends congregate to honor life events, enjoy delectable meals, and create enduring memories.
The Post & Beam needs no physical location to carry on their legacy, “to be symbol of love, joy, and community.” The Cleveland family are thrilled to go on providing community service through Post & Beam Catering as it gets ready for its last days of operation.
For those hoping to enjoy one last meal at Post & Beam at this location, on 3767 Santa Rosalia Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90008, the restaurant’s February operating hours are as follows:
Mondays – Closed
Tuesdays – Closed
Wednesdays – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (only 2/19 & 2/26)
Thursdays – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fridays – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturdays – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Brunch; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner
Sundays – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Brunch; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner
Visit @postandbeamla for updates on catering services and upcoming events as the team embarks on this new chapter. For more information on catering and special events, visit the official website https://postandbeamla.com/
