Erewhon Santa Monica Shuttered by LA Health Department for Cockroach Infestation | Eater LA
"On April 8, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found a "major" violation at the Santa Monica Wilshire Boulevard location; the inspection report was first reported by Curbed and also surfaced overnight in a Reddit thread. The inspection specifically noted a cockroach found in the tonic bar, and the store told Curbed that it "immediately took action" and expected the health department to re-inspect soon so the tonic bar could reopen. A follow-up statement to Eater LA said the store "sincerely apologizes" for the lapse in standards and that the health and safety of customers is a "top priority," noting weekly pest-control visits and that the tonic bar was voluntarily closed after the inspection. The April 8 report also listed other violations, including a minor violation for "Time as a Public Health Control" (when food is left outside proper storage/temperature for more than four hours or when a written procedure has not been maintained), plus plumbing issues, unclean non-food-contact surfaces, and inadequate ventilation or lighting. As of April 10, 2025 the location remained open; the health department completed a re-inspection and the tonic bar was reported open as of 2:45 p.m. The store is described as a health grocery/luxury shopping experience known for celebrity clientele, organic produce, and high-priced smoothies — including a $20 Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin smoothie — and recent celebrity collaborations with names such as Sabrina Carpenter, Lalisa Manobal, and Nara Smith (with other signature drinks like one featuring colostrum)." - Rebecca Roland
