Casey Hallenbeck has been a Motion Picture Set Decorator for over 30 years.  He purchased Phil's Diner in 1998 but was unable to operate the business because of land issues related to the North Hollywood redevelopment project.  As a custodian of this North Hollywood jewel, he held onto the diner to ensure that it would be returned to its original glory for the local area to enjoy once again.  Hallenbeck's General Store on Cahuenga Blvd. was the first business that he developed and decorated.  The restoration of Phil's Diner and the new building construction has the artistic touch and warm atmosphere that he so loves to create. 

 

 

Malissa Hallenbeck has a background in social services, an MBA in Sustainable Management, and she is a LEED Accredited Professional.  Her combined knowledge of people, business and sustainability is at the core of this values driven and systems oriented operation.   The South Central Farmers' Cooperative enlisted Malissa's expertise in developing and writing a business plan in 2007 which established a working relationship that will continue with the diner.  Phil's Diner will be using SCF as a supplier of local produce for the operation.  There is strength in local, community oriented commerce that is not only beneficial on a local level but beneficial on a global level.  Malissa has built this concept into the current plan for Phil's Diner as well as the long term plan for Phil's Diner LLC.

 

 

 

Phil's Diner is the start of a greater vision for the LLC.  The name of the restaurant has been changed to Phil's Diner Fresh-n-Fast.  "Fresh-n-Fast" will become the name of a further reaching chain of fast food restaurants with a business model that incorporates land acquisition, organic and local supply along with the use of innovative technologies to reduce each restaurant's carbon footprint.  The company plans to incorporate a non-profit arm to encourage community involvement with the ultimate goal of each restaurant growing its own produce.