Five months after its grand opening, Best Bet, Jason Neroni's latest culinary venture in Culver City, has shuttered its doors for good, the last service was on December 17. In collaboration with Sprout, the primary investor and operator led by Mike Glick, which boasts a portfolio of high-profile LA eateries including Republique and Vespertine, Neroni has ended his involvement with Best Bet and his long-standing partnership at the Rose Venice, as reported by Eater Los Angeles.
Best Bet's closure was confirmed by a joint statement from Sprout and Neroni: "After a decade of work together on The Rose Venice, Catch & Release, and Best Bet, Chef Jason Neroni and his partnership group are announcing their mutual decision to part ways," they detailed in an email caught by Eater, "Chef Neroni has been on the front lines of the restaurant industry for 30 years; after COVID and a particularly rough year of personal loss, he has decided to take a step back from day-to-day operations to focus on his family and his hospitality consultancy." The restaurant's employees were informed of the decision last minute on Sunday, leaving their employment status hanging in the balance.
The inception of Best Bet dates back to 2019, with Neroni initially plotting a Tokyo-style pizzeria. However, when the eatery opened in July 2023, it featured an extensive California Italian menu. Neroni has been a staple in the food scene, having honed his skills at New York's Le Cirque. Despite his move to open B-Side Pizzeria in New York, Best Bet was described as his "most personal restaurant," showcasing not just food but his collection of Star Wars and pop culture memorabilia, drawing significant attention during its brief lifespan, including nods from the Los Angeles Times and Forbes.
Behind the scenes, turmoil had been brewing for months between Neroni and Sprout, with insiders whispering about a fractured partnership since the restaurant's summer launch, but it was in mid-November when Neroni noticeably stepped away from the establishment, amid his battle with pneumonia and dealing with the passing of his mother. Earlier in the year, Sprout confirmed that Neroni was allowed an "extended leave of absence" during his time of grief. Despite the sudden end to Neroni's involvement, Sprout plans to repurpose the vacant Best Bet location with a new dining concept, yet details and timelines are scarce. Their statement to Eater mentioned exploring all options for the future leadership at the Rose Venice, highlighting their fortunate position of having a strong existing team.
