Closing Forever? Oh No Not Hinano Cafe! April Fools!

In what has to be one of the more elaborate Venice community April fools jokes in recent history, we can confirm the Hinano Cafe is not closing and becoming Gjinano!

Locals and the owners arrived on Washington Square this morning to large banners hung across the roof of Hinano stating that today was the last day in business, and the bar would reopen as Gjinano. Apparently the name for the new restaurant is a nod to Gjusta and Gjelina. The pranksters went so far as to set up a website for the mythical Gjinano, complete with a Branzini Burger, Double Ox Tail Burger, and more shall we say, sophisticated items, wink, wink.

Here is an official statement from Hinano Cafe owners Addie and Mark Gessel, who unwittingly found themselves in the middle of this.

“We love a prank as much as the next guy. We were as surprised as everyone else when we arrived to open this morning by this unauthorized and unsanctioned April Fool’s joke. As owners of Hinano Cafe for almost 30 years we know how special the place is to us, Venice and Washington Square. Seeing the outpouring of love and support for Hinano’s from our customers has reinvigorated us and look forward to sharing good times with our neighbors for another 60 years 💖🙏💖”

Hinano Cafe owners Addie and Mark Gessel. Photo taken at the 2019 Venice Sign Lighting

Here’s what Hinano Cafe posted on their Instagram: @hinanovenice today!
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Here are some of the comments we found on social media! One thing is for sure, people love Hinano Cafe!

That was Such a STRESSFUL ten minutes of research. Omg I was devastated!!!!! – Kelsey
Not funny! 😡 – Nina
I was literally going to spend the next few days crying!!! – Jill
Dude….that’s heart attack shit right there! – Luca
An “authentic Venetian experience.” – Al
Saddest day ever. – Art

Venice Paparazzi is happy to say “Hinano is not going anywhere! In fact, they are planning a 60th Anniversary event this summer. Stay tuned for details.”

Join your friends at Hinano Cafe, everyone’s favorite Washington Square establishment.

About Hinano Cafe: We’ve been serving world-famous burgers and cold beers just steps from the Venice Beach pier since 1962. Notorious for being Jim Morrison’s favorite Venice hangout.

Hinano is that rare local bar for people from all over the world. It’s also a cool place to duck into out of the sun…and then stay till the wee hours. We have a good selection of beer on tap served in frosty mugs and pitchers or in icy bottles.

Three pool tables, free popcorn, a great jukebox and full college and NFL cable sports package (and plenty of screens) make Hinano Cafe a good time just waiting to happen.