From bishops to ballparks: Levy Restaurants serves Downtown.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels has retained Chicago-based Levy Restaurants, North America's premium foodservice market leader, to manage the foodservice operations at the 5.5 acre complex. At the new spiritual center of Los Angeles and the crown jewel of the downtown district, Levy will manage all food and beverage locations within the complex including the Center at Cathedral Plaza and The Galero Grill, the cathedral's cafe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will benefit from Levy Restaurants' creative expertise and commitment to providing great dining and event experiences at unique locations throughout the country. The Chicago-based Levy Restaurants celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and owns, manages or operates 79 locations, including 56 sports and entertainment venues, in 36 markets across the United States and Canada. The properties range from award-winning restaurants to sports and entertainment destinations. With a strong foothold in downtown Los Angeles, local highlights include STAPLES Center, Dodger Stadium and Hollywood Park.

This relationship between Levy and the Archdiocese bodes well for both parties and for the downtown community as well. "It is truly an honor to have been asked to be a part of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels." Said Larry Levy, CEO of Levy Restaurants. The entire Cathedral complex is a wonderful oasis in the Los Angeles' downtown area. We hope our food and hospitality add to the truly awesome experience of the Cathedral."

Cardinal Roger Mahony added, "From casual fare in the Plaza to the grandest of events, Levy Restaurants has the creativity and expertise to meet the various needs of our many visitors."

The Cathedral is the mother church for more than five million Catholics that attend 287 parish churches throughout the three-county Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Cathedral's design, liturgical art and furnishings reflect the rich and varied cultural diversity of the City of Los Angeles. Since it's dedication in September 2002 the Cathedral has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors and expects to attract even greater numbers in 2004. The Cathedral has already experienced increased tourism following the recent opening of the nearby Disney Hall.

With a resurgence of foot traffic and downtown tourism the Cathedral's The Galero Grill has become a local lunch-time "hot-spot" attracting a diverse group of patrons from tourists, locals, and jurors from the county courthouse across the street seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the day. The 2.5 acre tree-shaded Cathedral plaza is a great place to people watch and was recently voted "Best place to go on a Sunday" by readers of the Downtown News.

One of the city's best kept secrets is the new Cathedral Conference Center. One of the largest special event sites in downtown, the Center is available for public rental. Since it's opening in April 2002, the Center has played host to a varied and diverse clientele. Conveniently located at the edge of downtown, with ample and low-priced event parking, the Center features a spacious ballroom and meeting rooms. Levy Restaurants provides full-service catering and amenities for all events in the Conference Center.

Information for this article was provided by the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.