By Cynthia Gibson
Contributing Writer
LEIMERT PARK — The reopening of Harun Coffee marks a new model for community-led revitalization — one that unites design, culture and commerce under one roof.
The renovation is the latest project by Community Labs, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm focused on revitalizing the historic neighborhood. The Jan. 9 grand reopening introduced a reimagined specialty coffee bar paired with a speakeasy-style lounge.
On opening night, fans lined Degnan Boulevard to experience the new lounge and enjoy a live music set by Grammy-nominated artist Terrace Martin and Grey Area.
Harun Coffee was originally opened in 2018 by former music executive Chace Johnson. Along with serving premium coffee sourced from various regions across Africa, Johnson operated the adjacent space as an art gallery and boutique for Harun brand merchandise.
When Community Labs co-founder Prophet Walker asked Johnson what “Harun Coffee 2.0” should look like, Johnson’s answer was centered on elevating the musical experience.
“Music is a global language,” Johnson said. “People gather around it, and it means a lot to them. I thought we should create a space for intentional listening.”
Co-founder Cheron Hall, the son of Arsenio Hall, describes Community Labs as a place-based developer and investor.
“We look at communities holistically — how we can create economic revitalization while protecting the cultural and artistic vibrancy that underpins these neighborhoods,” Hall said.
“When we see a groundswell in a community like this, we make sure the people who are here, whose shoulders we stand on, are protected and not displaced.”
Harun Coffee’s redevelopment took over a year to complete. Hall emphasized that much of the work involves listening to the community rather than attempting to reinvent what already exists.
“We try to understand the context — the history and heritage — and then use our expertise to amplify it,” he said.
Community Labs is now collaborating with local stakeholders, nonprofits, and government partners to catalyze economic revitalization and position Leimert Park Village as a visitor destination for global events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
“Often we stay siloed in our own focus areas, sometimes from a scarcity mindset,” Hall added.
“But when we align, lean into one another, and lock arms, we can create something truly special. Harun is evidence of that.”
The firm’s next project is The Garden, a commercial campus planned for the northeast corner of Degnan Boulevard. Current plans include a restaurant, food hall, and grocery store, developed in partnership with the owners of Nappily Naturals & Apothecary.
The eclectic interior at Harun Coffee — an inviting mix of art and relaxed comfort — was designed collaboratively and led by Akin Co.’s Jordan Adero. It draws inspiration from Japanese listening bars and Moroccan cafés.
Harun Coffee’s menu was curated by Keith Corbin, owner of the acclaimed restaurant Alta Adams and a partner in Harun Coffee. Corbin and Walker met over a decade ago, when Corbin worked at Locol, the healthy fast-food restaurant Walker built in Watts.
“They needed a hand, they tapped me in, and we came together and made something special,” Corbin said.
The daytime menu features comfort dishes such as biscuits with sausage, egg, and cheese; and biscuits with lox and smoked salmon. The coffee bar and lounge close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 6, offering mocktails and small plates including whipped feta with olive oil and toasted beef bread; tamarind-glazed nuts; and African-marinated olives.
Harun Coffee is the fourth project in Community Labs’ reimagining of Leimert Park Village. The firm also led the development of the new bookstore, Lore; the transformation of Hot & Cool Café into Ora; and the conversion of an outdoor garden space into The Plant Chica.
Harun Coffee general manager Carson Childs, who joined the team five months before the reopening, said he was not initially aware of the full scope of the project.
“It’s been a see-it-to-believe-it type of experience,” Childs said. “As I watched it develop, I was continually amazed. I wasn’t sure what I was walking into, but what it became exceeded anything I expected.”
Longtime resident Anthony Adams stopped by to experience the grand reopening firsthand.
“The old Leimert Park wasn’t speakeasy-ish. It was what you see is what you get,” Adams said.
“This represents a more relaxed, Zen vibe. This is ushering in a whole new Leimert.”
