One hundred percent

BEN HUNDREDS • The Hundreds & The Benjamin Hollywood

WORK • Thursday Routine

BEN HUNDREDS • president, The Hundreds • managing partner, The Benjamin Hollywood
Neighborhood you work in: Fairfax/Melrose & Vernon
Neighborhood you live in: Franklin Village

It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I start my Thursday with an early morning hike on Bronson Canyon, then head out to my warehouse/office in Vernon for The Hundreds, my streetwear brand. I check in with my design team, my vice president, and my partner Bobby Hundreds. We’re releasing our new Fall ‘24 collection in the coming weeks, so we’re all prepping for that.

What’s on the agenda for today?
I’ll spend a few hours at The Hundreds office and then head to The Benjamin Hollywood, my new restaurant on Melrose and Formosa. I have a meeting with my chef and partner, Kate Burr, to go over new dishes and address any issues with the kitchen. I’ll spend the rest of the afternoon working with my other partner, Jared Meisler, on everything restaurant-related, from making sure we ordered the right hand soap and napkins, to what events we have coming up on our patio, to going over budgets and P&Ls. Then, I’ll head home, get ready, and head back to The Benjamin for service.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend? 
Most of my time is spent at my restaurant these days, but this weekend I’m planning to have dinner at Saffy's, one of my favorite restaurants. I love sitting at the bar with a bottle of wine and ordering all the kebabs. I’m sure I’ll head to Courage Bagels for the best bagels in the world one morning. And I’ll do my best to get to Dunsmoor at some point for a bite. It’s turned into one of my favorite places to eat in all of LA. I dream about the cornbread more than I probably should. 

How about a little leisure or culture?
I love hitting the Hollywood Farmers’ Market every Sunday morning. We’re so lucky to have access to some of the best produce in the world right here in our backyard. I’ll also go on a hike with my kids up Bronson Canyon. Lastly, I’ll head out to some of my favorite galleries in town. A few always worth checking out are Sebastian Gladstone, One Trick Pony, Moran Moran, and Zwirner, all in the Western Ave. area of LA.  

Any weekend getaways? 
My favorite weekend getaway is the Ojai Valley Inn. The property there is picturesque, and the hospitality is the best you’ll find anywhere. It’s also a short walk into town, where you can find great restaurants and coffee shops.

What was your last great vacation?  
Mexico City! I went for my bday this year. CDMX is really special. You can feel the love in the air. So many great restaurants to dine at like Em, Máximo, and Contramar. So many great coffee shops, bakeries, and taco stands to snack at, like Panaderia Rosetta, Expendio de Maiz, and Odette. So many great cocktail bars to drink at, like Handshake Speakeasy or 686. So many great museums and art galleries, like Olivia Foundation and Casa Estudio Luis Barragan.

What store or service do you always recommend?
I love checking out the 424 store on Melrose Place. It’s my favorite shop in LA right now.