Support the PIPS On La Brea Family After 16 Years

Hi, my name is Derrick “Pip” Pipkin, founder of PIPS On La Brea in Los Angeles.

Sixteen years ago, I opened PIPS with a simple dream — to create a place where live music, culture, food, and community could come together. What began as a leap of faith became something far bigger than I ever imagined. PIPS became a home for jazz lovers, Sunday brunch traditions, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, first dates, and thousands of unforgettable nights.

For 16 years, we kept the music playing.

We survived economic downturns, rising food costs, wage increases, insurance spikes, and even the pandemic. We adjusted, reinvented, and fought to stay open — not just as a business, but as a cultural space for our community and as a livelihood for the people who worked beside me every day.

But despite our best efforts, we have made the very difficult decision to close our doors.

This fundraiser is not for me.

It is for the incredible employees who made PIPS what it was.

The servers who remembered your favorite table.

The bartenders who kept the energy alive.

The chefs and kitchen team who worked long hours to perfect every plate.

The hosts, bussers, managers, and staff who treated customers like family.

Many of our team members have been with us for years. They helped build something meaningful for Los Angeles. As we close this chapter, we want to make sure they feel supported during this transition.

What We’re Raising Funds For

All donations will go directly to our employees.

Funds will be distributed among the staff, with consideration given to their length of service and commitment to PIPS over the years. This support will help cover:

• Rent and living expenses

• Groceries and utilities

• Transportation

• Time to transition into new employment

If PIPS ever meant something to you — if you celebrated here, laughed here, danced here, or simply enjoyed a night of music — we ask that you consider contributing.

If you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign and come visit us during our final days to tip your favorite team members in person.

Campaign Timeline

This GoFundMe campaign will run through April 15th.

On April 15th, all funds raised will be finalized and distributed to our employees.

PIPS was never just a restaurant. It was community.

And community takes care of its own.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 16 years of love, music, and support.

With gratitude,

Derrick “Pip” Pipkin

Founder, PIPS On La Brea