On October 19, New York’s Chopped Cheese will open a Mid-City outlet in the former Wings World space at the corner of Venice and Redondo Boulevards. A group of former New Yorkers (including one from Linden restaurant) made New York’s Chopped Cheese the first place in LA to make two of New York City’s favorite corner bodega sandwich imports: a chopped cheese and the bacon, egg, and cheese.

Partner Anthony Arias finds himself fielding the following question from most newcomers, “What is a chopped cheese?” The sandwich is traditionally made with beef patties, grilled patties, onions, seasoning, and cheese chopped together on a grill. Here in LA, Arias and company make it with either beef or Impossible plant-based meat on a hero or Kaiser roll. Grilled mushrooms are also an option. Some non-New York menu items include a spinach wrap, breakfast burrito, and loaded potato tots, served with LA-style agua frescas. And finally, they serve something that Black communities from sea to shining sea love equally: Sunkist grape soda.

“When we signed the lease, I was very aware of gentrification and the wage gap,” says Arias, who is Black. “This neighborhood used to be very Black, with some still living here. I want this to be an accurate representation of the neighborhood.”

Beginning in 2021, Arias operated New York’s Chopped Cheese as a food truck for 11 months, then worked out of a tent next to the La Brea Avenue shoe store Undefeated. That’s where he met Playhouse Group’s Rob Vinokur. Scott Williams (a Linden partner and owner of Las’ Lap bar in New York) also came on board early.

Mona Holmes

Vinokur needed a restaurant to replace the shuttered Tamarind Avenue Deli on the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue, so they all decided to make it LA’s first New York’s Chopped Cheese in May 2023. Linden opened later that same month. The Hollywood location operates until the post-club, late-night hours, while the newer Mid-City will close at 11 p.m. to cater to that neighborhood.

As transplants continue to move from New York City, LA has seen a rise in bodega culture with DTLA Bodega, Slicer’s New York Deli, and North Hollywood’s Bodega Delights. Though Silver Lake’s Bodega Park leans into the same vibe, chef Eric Park’s sandwiches pull influences from New York City, South Korea, and across Southern California.

When asked why he thinks Angelenos will accept his restaurants, Arias has faith. “I just want to share the culture. I also understand that we’re guests in this city, and there is no better host than an Angeleno who loves to try new things. And if it’s quality food, they’re going to keep coming back,” he says.

Starting Saturday, October 19, New York’s Chopped Cheese will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 5109 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90019.