6 Chain Businesses Succumb to Pandemic in Pasadena

The totality of the loss of both life and livelihood brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to mount, but at least a half-dozen business chains have permanently shuttered locations in Pasadena this year.

Among the large chains in Pasadena that have closed are:

• 24 Hour Fitness, 465 N. Halstead Street, announced closure in June after its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
• Gold’s Gym, 39 S. Altadena Drive, was temporarily closed at the start of the pandemic. While company officials have not commented on the fate of the Pasadena location, the gym’s Facebook page indicates it is “permanently closed.”
• Souplantation, 201 S. Lake Ave., announced closure in June as its parent company liquidating assets after filing for Chapter 7.
• Lou & Grey, 110 W. Colorado Blvd., announced closure after its parent company filed for Chapter 11 in July.
• Sur La Table, 161 W. Colorado Blvd., announced closure in July after its parent company filed for Chapter 11.
• Jos. A Bank, 345 S. Lake Ave., announced closure in August after its parent company filed for Chapter 11.

A complete picture of the local economic devastation that has accompanied the pandemic thus far is difficult to ascertain, especially with respect to small businesses that don’t have corporate public relations arms.

City officials keep no record of how many Pasadena businesses have shut down, city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.

In an effort to encourage the community to support local shops and restaurants, the city launched its “We’re Open, Keep Us Open” campaign in November to encourage people to patronize Pasadena’s businesses.