Many residents and visitors alike have gathered at Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market over the years to enjoy a meal in nature. A little quirky, a lot bohemian, and always authentic, Froggy’s has provided a respite and resource for locals looking for a spot to connect over good food and great vibes. The quintessential Topanga restaurant, Froggy’s has hosted local bands, supported local nonprofits, and essentially embodied what it means to be a local small business in Topanga since its inception in the late 1970’s.
Its owner, Lance Roberts, has weathered many a storm over the years, struggling to stay open amidst storms, fires and various zoning and regulatory challenges. For the most part, the community has seemed supportive of Froggy’s efforts to remain open and continue to operate as a restaurant. Residents who live nearby report mostly positive experiences with their restaurant neighbor, with some caveats around after-hours noise and occasionally loud music.
Froggy’s is currently scheduled for a conditional use permit (“CUP”) hearing on June 10, 2026, in front of the Regional Planning Commission in downtown Los Angeles. Specifically, the CUP involves an expanded use of the current status that would allow Froggy’s to operate with a Type 47 On-Sale General Eating Place license, allowing beer, wine, and distilled spirits to be served on-site with food. Currently, the business is not permitted to sell “distilled spirits” (i.e. hard liquor) to patrons. Many restaurants claim that, without this allowance, they cannot make ends meet.
When interviewed, several residents expressed concern that the ability to sell hard liquor might exacerbate noise and safety issues for any impaired patrons leaving the establishment. Others stated that they feared that this allowance would lead to the conversion of this low-key, affordable restaurant into more of a high concept event space/wedding venue that would clog up the boulevard and side streets while essentially taking another community restaurant offline for locals.
At the same time, it cannot be overstated just how much the small business community in Topanga has suffered over the past six years. From Covid to landslides to emergency road projects to wildfires, the fight to survive is real. The community has lost many of its iconic businesses and business owners over the years. While change may be “the only constant,” we find ourselves at a point where we have to ask ourselves what it means to “support our small businesses” and what shape those small businesses can or should be expected to take.
One thing seems clear. If folks want more small local restaurants and fewer event spaces, then we all need to think critically about how to make that happen and reflect it in our local Zoning Code and Ordinances.