Nestled on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, Laurel Supply is a grocery store that defies conventional expectations. Far from the typical fluorescent-lit aisles, this market exudes an air of sophistication and style, attracting a fashion-forward crowd that seems more suited for a music video than a shopping trip.
The building itself is a testament to unique architecture, originally designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student in the distinctive Googie style. Its flying-saucer motifs and rocket-ship-esque curves set the stage for an experience that is anything but ordinary.
The Laurel Supply Experience
Stepping into Laurel Supply, one is immediately struck by the vast, airy space filled with natural light. The wood-beamed ceiling is adorned with giant rectangular pendant lamps, and a century-old Olive tree takes center stage in the middle of the floor. This tree, once part of fashion photographer Herb Ritts’s furniture company showroom, adds a touch of historical charm to the modern setting.
The store offers a variety of gourmet options, including a butcher station, organic produce section, sushi bar, organic wood-fired pizza station, hot bar, bakery, and smoothie bar. The clientele is equally impressive, with designer bags and stylish sunglasses on full display. The atmosphere is lively, with a cacophony of sounds from the hot bar where even the pets seem to be part of the social scene.
The Rise of Bougie Grocery Stores
Laurel Supply is part of a growing trend of upscale grocery stores that have become social hubs. As nightclub and drinking culture wane, these stores offer a new venue for socializing and being seen. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2026 that only 4.1% of Americans attended or hosted a social event on an average weekend, a significant decrease from previous years. This shift has paved the way for stores like Laurel Supply to fill the void.
Laurel Supply’s store director, Joseph Ramos, emphasizes that their goal was never to create a generic grocery store. Instead, they aimed to bring the same hospitality and culinary standards found in their restaurants to a grocery setting. Every item prepared in the kitchen, bakery, juice bar, and smoothie bar is 100% organic, a standard that Ramos claims is unmatched in Los Angeles.
The Culinary Standards
The commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of Laurel Supply. The food is prepared in-house daily, including bread made from an on-site stone mill and freshly squeezed juices. The store also boasts an extensive selection of groceries, from standard fruits and veggies to specialty items like Bio Orto tomatoes from Puglia and Sogno Toscano’s Limonata soda.
At the smoothie bar, blends range from $14 to $16, offering a variety of health-conscious options. The staff, dressed in all-white uniforms and green hats, are ready to assist with recommendations. The Heavenly So smoothie, with its blend of almond milk, strawberries, banana, raspberries, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, is a popular choice.
The social aspect of Laurel Supply is undeniable. Every table on the sidewalk patio is packed, with people milling around waiting for a seat. The store has become a place where the affluent and fashion-forward can see and be seen, making it a key player in the evolving social landscape of Los Angeles.
