LV LifeDining

Bowl House readies for return to normal

Bowl House is an affordable take-out Asian fusion restaurant in downtown La Verne that has become popular among University of La Verne students. Owner William Kim and his wife have recently given the restaurant a colorful remodel and menu change, while staying afloat throughout the pandemic despite the lack of ULV students on campus. / photo by Christine Diaz
Bowl House is an affordable take-out Asian fusion restaurant in downtown La Verne that has become popular among University of La Verne students. Owner William Kim and his wife have recently given the restaurant a colorful remodel and menu change, while staying afloat throughout the pandemic despite the lack of ULV students on campus. / photo by Christine Diaz

Sarah Van Buskirk
Staff Writer

The Bowl House, the beloved affordable mostly take-out Asian restaurant adjacent to the La Verne campus, has taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to remodel the inside of the restaurant.

The Bowl House remodel consisted of kitchen-related repairs along with adding newer appliances.

With the new remodeling to the inside of the restaurant, William Kim, manager at Bowl House, said that it was a perfect time to do it due to slower business caused by the pandemic. Kim said that the overall update on the function of the restaurant needed to be done in order for business to run smoother.

“It had nothing to do with cosmetics. It was solely for the efficiency aspect of the business,” Kim said.

While the behind-the-scenes is now more up-to-date, the overall look has not changed much.

Bowl House, featuring a variety of teriyaki bowls and more, is popular among University of La Verne students and faculty members. The COVID-19 pandemic and campus shut down, however, hurt Bowl House’s business, as students and faculty are their main source of business.

Kim said that it has been slow this past year.

“I would say there has been a 75% decrease in business volume wise,” Kim said.

Kim said he expects the business to be better in the fall, and he is excited to see his regular customers again.

The Bowl House has always been takeout with just a few small tables outside, so there were no disadvantages to the dine-in aspects of the restaurant. 

The restaurant has expanded offering delivery as well. 

The Bowl House has always been cash only and continued to be cash only throughout the pandemic.

Kim said the restaurant takes precautionary measures to keep clean and safe. With sanitation and masks, Kim said staff has remained healthy. 

Skai Margolis, a longtime La Verne resident, said she is glad Bowl House was able to survive the past year.

“I do not attend ULV but I know how important the school is for that restaurant,” Margolis said.

Margolis said everyone in La Verne is familiar with the Bowl House,  and it’s been hard to see small businesses like that lose so many of their customers.

But Margolis added: “Not only will the students be back on campus, but I believe the whole La Verne community itself will be back to normal by (fall),” Margolis said.

Adrian Torres, a long time Bowl House customer, said the Bowl House is one of his favorite restaurants in La Verne.

“I go to Bowl House almost every other day after the gym. Everyone is so nice there, the food is amazing and inexpensive,” Torres said.

The Bowl House menu has a variety of different bowls with the choice of chicken, beef or vegetables. Bowl House also offers fried rice with a choice of kimchi, chicken, or shrimp, and soup, including ramen or wonton soup. The Bowl House’s menu is affordable with the most expensive item at $6.95. 

The Bowl House is at 2075 Third St., next to the La Verne Police Department. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Sarah Van Buskirk can be reached at sarah.vanbuskirk@laverne.edu.

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Sarah Van Buskirk is a senior journalism major with a concentration in print and online journalism. She is the Spring 2024 editorial director for the Campus Times and has recently served as editor-in-chief, sports editor and staff writer. She is also currently a staff photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine, and a staff writer for La Verne Magazine.

Christine Diaz
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