Three ex-Horses chefs launch acclaimed Bruce pop-up in L.A.

The trio of Brittany Ha, Hannah Grubba and Alex Riley have found a new home for their creative, bistro-inspired cuisine at Justine's Wine Bar in Frogtown.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:00pm

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After losing their jobs when the popular Horses restaurant in Los Angeles closed suddenly in December, three chefs - Brittany Ha, Hannah Grubba and Alex Riley - banded together to launch the Bruce pop-up. The pop-up, named after Ha's infant son, initially took over the kitchen at Cafe Triste in Chinatown for three nights a week in February. Due to high demand, the pop-up has now found a new home at Justine's Wine Bar in the Frogtown neighborhood, where it will run on Thursdays and Fridays through March.

Why it matters

The Bruce pop-up represents an opportunity for these talented chefs to showcase their skills and creative vision, unencumbered by the issues that plagued the previous restaurant they worked at. It also highlights the vibrant pop-up culture in Los Angeles, where chefs can find new platforms to connect with diners and build a following.

The details

At Bruce, Ha, Grubba and Riley are serving a menu of bistro-inspired and creatively liberated dishes that draw inspiration from their time at Horses. Standout items include tuna carpaccio, radicchio salad with kefir and gorgonzola, clams with herby broth and fries, and a savory, luxurious pastina dish. Desserts from Grubba, like puff pastry swans filled with banana pudding, have also been a highlight.

  • Bruce initially took over the kitchen at Cafe Triste in Chinatown for three nights a week in February 2026.
  • Bruce has now found a new home at Justine's Wine Bar in Frogtown, where it will run on Thursdays and Fridays through March 2026.

The players

Brittany Ha

One of the three chefs behind the Bruce pop-up, who previously worked at the now-closed Horses restaurant in Los Angeles.

Hannah Grubba

One of the three chefs behind the Bruce pop-up, who previously worked at the now-closed Horses restaurant in Los Angeles.

Alex Riley

One of the three chefs behind the Bruce pop-up, who previously worked at the now-closed Horses restaurant in Los Angeles.

Justine Hernandez

The owner of Justine's Wine Bar in Frogtown, where the Bruce pop-up is currently running on Thursdays and Fridays.

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What they’re saying

“These chefs have a groove: the always-hoped-for, too-little-experienced synergy of pros cooking the kinds of full-throttle food they'd make for themselves, attracting customers who are vibing with it. A relocation doesn't disrupt the rhythm.”

— Bill Addison, Food Critic (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The Bruce pop-up is scheduled to continue running at Justine's Wine Bar in Frogtown through the end of March 2026.

The takeaway

The Bruce pop-up showcases the resilience and creativity of these talented chefs who lost their jobs at Horses, highlighting the vibrant pop-up culture in Los Angeles that allows chefs to connect directly with diners and build a following for their unique culinary vision.