New Ownership Takes Reins at El Chapin

Located at 5010 York Blvd.--alongside Highland Park's trendy cafés, vintage shops and gastropubs--El Chapin was long a beloved spot of locals for its authentic huevos rancheros and tamales.

First opened by the Palacios family on York Boulevard in 2001, and operating at its current location since 2004, El Chapin closed its doors recently and is currently transitioning to new ownership.

New owner, Glassell Park native andgraduate Arnie Miller, says El Chapin fans should expect the same Guatemalan and Mexican fare when the restaurant reopens in February under a new name--The Highland.

Standing in the restaurant's small kitchen--which consists of a four-top stove, an oven and refrigerator--Miller said he plans on keeping The Highland's menu simple and straightforward.

The same chef who prepared El Chapin's menu will be cooking for The Highland, Miller said, and tamales and huevos rancheros will remain staples.

"We're going to have about five to 10 breakfast items and 10 to 15 lunch items," Miller said. "And we'll be running specials"

Some small changes will be made, though, Miller said. Expect outdoor seating, as well as a redecorated and refurbished dining area.

Miller--whose business partners include friends Alfonse Arellano and Miriam Albundis--said he had looked all over Los Angeles for a location to establish his restaurant and was surprised to find an available spot so near to where he grew up.

"I love this neighborhood," he said. "I love the diversity."

Miller said he has spent his entire career working in the kitchens of commercial restaurant chains, and quit his most recent job as a food service manager at Costco to take a chance at running an independently owned restaurant.

"Life's all about taking chances," he said. "If you don't take chances, what's the point of anything?"