In a significant shift for the Los Angeles food and culture scene, L.A. Taco, a well-regarded, beloved, and James Beard Award-winning independent journalism outlet, has announced the temporary furlough of its full-time staff members starting April 15, as first reported by Eater LA.
The publication, known for its extensive and in-depth local food coverage and vibrant community events, has struggled with declining memberships and sponsorships, a trend attributed to economic shifts and the rise of AI-generated content, as confirmed by editor Javier Cabral to Eater LA's Rebecca Roland.
This financial crunch also led to the cancellation of the publication's much-anticipated Taco Madness event, previously supported by major brands like Xbox and Bud Light, due to unforeseen weather conditions and sponsorship shortfalls.
Founded in 2005 by Alex Bloomingdale and Hadley Tomicki, L.A. Taco initially celebrated local subcultures and has evolved under successive leaderships to emphasize hard-hitting community journalism, while also being a vital source of food news that highlights the heart and soul of Los Angeles' culinary scene. From thoughtful spotlights on the most delicious mom & pop establishments to recommendations of LA's best must-eats to rallying behind street vendors by giving their unique struggles and stories a platform, L.A. Taco has served as the dynamic pulse of the city and its unique cravings via its community-driven platform.
The outlet now faces a critical juncture; it requires a surge in memberships — targeting 5,000 subscribers by April 26 to continue its operations sustainably.
Amidst these challenges, Cabral is pioneering a potential solution with the creation of "LA Taco Lab," a nonprofit sector aimed at nurturing new journalistic talents without compromising the editorial independence crucial to L.A. Taco’s investigative ethos. This move comes as Cabral remains cautious about transitioning the entire operation to a nonprofit model, concerned about potential conflicts of interest affecting journalistic integrity.
As L.A. Taco navigates these turbulent times, the community's support through subscriptions, merch, and donations becomes ever more vital to preserve the unique voice the outlet provides in Los Angeles’ food media landscape.
