A HISTORIC BUILDING WITH A RICH HISTORY
Our production team searched for a long, long time to find a location with the right look and feel to film SMALL TOWN. With its nostalgic pink and white tile and classic hometown diner feel, we were so excited when owner Jenny Newell agreed to let us come scout the restaurant as a possible filming location. When we first walked in, not only were we charmed with the look, but we were welcomed with open arms, just like family. We instantly knew this was the home for SMALL TOWN. We can’t think of a better place to tell this story.
Family owned and operated, Bonnie Lu’s Cafe is a cherished Ojai treasure where every bite is a taste of home. Since their doors first nearly 30 years ago, they have been serving up more than just meals, but sharing their passion for delicious, wholesome food that brings people together
The Historic Ojai Arcade Plaza
Bonnie Lu’s is located in the historic Ojai Arcade Plaza. The Arcade was the inspiration of winter resident Edward Drummond Libbey of Libbey Glass in Ohio. When visiting the Ojai Valley, he literally ‘fell in love’ with the city of Ojai and the surrounding mountains. In 1917, a fire destroyed much of the original downtown area, Libby was inspired to rebuild a new downtown in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. He hired the architectural firm of Mead and Requa to design the arcade. Robert Winfield was the contractor. Libbey asked merchants to contribute $10 per frontage foot of their store space to help finance the project and he paid the remainder of the costs.
Over the years, the Arcade has expanded in include a plaza with landscaped green spaces, public art, and family gathering areas. The Ojai Arcade is one of the earliest examples of urban renewal projects was designated as the City of Ojai’s Fifth Landmark in 1993 and is the home of some of Ojai’s most beloved shops and restaurants, including Bonnie Lu’s Cafe.
