It could be the end of an era for a place that defined a certain architectural and dining aesthetic for Los Angeles.

If all goes according to plan, the iconic sawtooth “Norms” coffee shop sign on La Cienega Boulevard — one of the few remaining examples of mid-century Googie coffee shop architecture in LA — would be replaced with “Canes.” Goodbye to the retro diner known for steak and eggs, hello to a new outpost for Raising Cane’s fast-food chicken strips.

Norms’ other Southern California locations would continue to operate under the proposal. But the La Cienega location is iconic. It was the subject of a famous painting by Ed Ruscha, “Norm’s, La Cienega, On Fire,” and was given historic landmark status due to its space-age look so associated with postwar LA

The restaurant group that owns Raising Cane’s – a fast food chicken chain – owns the space that houses the iconic Norms location and plans to convert the location into a Raising Cane’s in 2027 when Norms’ lease for the Space ends.

“Raising Cane’s plans to keep Norm’s legacy alive and forever preserve the iconic Googie architecture made famous by Armét & Davis as we begin improvements to restore the property and bring delicious chicken to the LA community “To serve finger meals,” Raising Cane’s representatives said in a statement to the Times.

The company shared a rendering of the new space plan with the Times. The most significant change is changing the iconic sawtooth pennant neon sign to read “Cane’s” instead of “Norms.”

Norms has an existing rental agreement at the La Cienega location until December 2026.

(Raises the stick)

Because the Norms site has been an LA historic landmark since 2015, Raising Cane’s must submit its plan to the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. It is due to be presented to the Commission on December 5th.

But some Angelenos oppose the restaurant’s change — even though Raising Cane’s doesn’t disrupt the architectural fabric of the place.

“The idea of ​​transforming Norms from a family-friendly, affordable sit-down restaurant into a place to get fried chicken is amazing to me,” said Kim Cooper, one of the two people behind Esotouric’s Secret Los Angeles.

Cooper discovered the change while reviewing the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission’s upcoming agenda. She noted that Raising Cane’s wanted to change the way it uses the space.

“It is so much more than a building. This is a place that’s open 24 hours a day… Norms are part of people’s lives and have been for 67 years, which in LA is basically a millennium,” Cooper said.

Cooper encouraged Angelenos to show up at the Cultural Heritage Commission’s December hearing to voice their displeasure with Norms becoming a Raising Cane’s.

Norms La Cienega was designed in 1957 by Louis Arment and Eldon Davis in the famous Californian “Googie” style.

Ed Ruscha, “Norm’s, La Cienega, on Fire,” 1964. Oil and pencil on canvas. From the artist’s retrospective “Ed Ruscha / Now Then” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

(Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The restaurant’s Googie style is a futuristic architectural style that originated in Southern California and is characterized by sharp geometric shapes, sweeping curves, and bright, sometimes neon-colored lights. The style was commonly used at gas stations and cafes.

“Norms is in the same area as Manns Chinese Theater and Panns and the Hollywood Sign. It’s so iconic to Los Angeles,” said Damian Sullivan, a television producer and historian of “roadside” architecture.

The first Norms was opened in Hollywood in 1949 by the eponymous previous owner, Norm Roybark. The iconic La Cienega location first opened its doors in 1957. Roybark sold the company to CapitalSpring in 2015.

The chain currently has 24 locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties and is even opening a location in Las Vegas.

Norms did not immediately respond to a request for comment.