Over 35 years ago, Rick Hankus bought a tiny little café called Grandma's Place in Hermosa Beach. He had a small dessert business selling to restaurants in the South Bay and wished to expand to offer meals as well to the public.
Business was so slow at first, Rick not only baked 7 days a week but also washed 3 days a week to save expenses.
Word slowly got out in the neighborhood that Grandma's was now Ocean Diner, a homey little place with incredible coffeecakes, muffins and homemade specialties like Mom's Meatloaf. The lines got longer and Ocean Diner became a happening spot, especially on weekends customers would line up on the sidewalk for a hearty and healthy meal.