Stanley’s, the beloved Sherman Oaks restaurant from Greg Sadofsky, Ramin Ghaffar and Luis Morales, lost their lease in 2015 after 32 years. Their new landlord replaced them with Te’kila, an existing tenant from Hollywood. Instead of sulking, the trio immediately plotted a return. Eighteen months later, a prolonged search led them to Fab’s—a prime corner space just south of Ventura Boulevard. Stanley’s reopened in March, building on their legacy, and is once again a neighborhood hit.

“It’s been amazing,” Greg says. “I thought we’d be immediately busy—but not this busy. It’s been fun and stressful.”

Stanley’s is open daily from lunch through dinner, and even during standard lulls Stanley’s is drawing crowds for classics like Amy’s grapefruit salad, rotisserie chicken and burgers by the bushel. It features a powder blue façade and contains high-backed grey booths, aqua banquettes and a full bar that faces flat-screen TVs that are typically tuned to sports.

Greg recognizes a number of repeat customers who “pretty much know what to expect,” along with members of a younger generation. He credits a “different vibe” and “homier feel” for part of the appeal. The restaurant is also on a high-traffic corner, but not right on Ventura Boulevard, which allows for foot traffic and both western and southern exposure.

The new space does pose certain logistical challenges. The original location was much larger, with more seating and a big patio. “We’ve had to scrap for space,” Greg says.

He has been working in restaurants for decades, since he bartended at Moonshadows in Malibu while majoring in business at San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN). He acknowledges that the restaurant world keeps getting harder, citing “Yelp, employees, minimum wage going up, rent and all the government regulations.”

That said, Greg, Luis and Ramin are still going strong. He adds, “Everybody’s been really sweet, and it’s like every other business. It’s hard as hell.”

4336 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-453-8025