Phil Rosenthal Opens Family Diner to Foster Community Spirit

Phil Rosenthal, known for his engaging food-focused television series, has opened a new diner in Los Angeles alongside his daughter, Lily Rosenthal. The establishment, named Max & Helen’s, honors his late parents and aims to create a welcoming community atmosphere. The diner officially opened its doors on November 18, 2023, at 127 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Rosenthal has partnered with renowned chef Nancy Silverton and his son-in-law, Mason Royal, to curate a menu that reflects both quality and affordability. With a lease on the Larchmont location since 2004, Rosenthal describes the journey to opening the diner as a lengthy process navigating local regulations and permits. “It takes months just to have them look at your plans,” he stated in an interview.

The diner is designed to provide a refreshing alternative to the often pretentious atmosphere found in many Los Angeles restaurants. Lily Rosenthal, who serves as the creative director, emphasizes the importance of hospitality. “The best part of the dining experience should be the hospitality,” she explained. Her vision for Max & Helen’s is to foster a sense of belonging among patrons, encouraging staff to create a welcoming environment.

Diners hold a special place in American culture, and Rosenthal believes their decline may contribute to a broader loss of community. “The diner is the center of many communities. They’re disappearing from America, and with that disappearance, maybe we lose our sense of community,” he remarked. His intention with Max & Helen’s is to address this issue, bringing people together over food.

The menu features classic diner fare such as grilled cheese, an omelette of the day, and a selection of desserts, including milkshakes and hot fudge sundaes. Notably, the diner will serve Max’s fluffy eggs and Helen’s matzo ball soup in tribute to Rosenthal’s parents. Additionally, a smoked salmon platter featuring a sesame bagel from Courage Bagels highlights the importance of collaborating with quality local vendors.

One notable debate during the menu development was the inclusion of a hamburger. While Silverton initially suggested omitting it, Rosenthal strongly advocated for its presence. “It was a big point of contention,” Lily recalled. Ultimately, the menu will feature both a hamburger and a patty melt, reflecting the diner’s commitment to satisfying traditional cravings.

This venture represents a significant new chapter for Lily Rosenthal, who is eager to learn the intricacies of restaurant management. “This is all I want to do now: open restaurants,” she shared, expressing aspirations to expand their concept beyond Los Angeles. Phil Rosenthal added that while they dream of establishing a national diner chain, their immediate focus remains on perfecting the Larchmont location.

Despite the upscale nature of the Larchmont area, both Rosenthal and Lily are determined to keep prices accessible. “It’s going to be as cheap as we can possibly make it,” Phil stated, assuring patrons that affordability is a priority. He emphasized their commitment to providing high-quality food without exorbitant prices, promising, “I promise you we’ll have the cheapest coffee on the block.”

As Max & Helen’s begins to welcome guests, Rosenthal has plans for potential media engagement. He envisions a documentary series highlighting the diner’s journey and the broader significance of diners in American culture. “It’s about something larger than just the food,” he concluded.

Max & Helen’s diner is now open, offering not only meals but also a chance to reconnect with the spirit of community dining that has been cherished across generations.