BOYLE HEIGHTS, Calif. – The history runs deep in Boyle Heights, especially at 2708 E Cesar Chavez Avenue.

Famous performers and activists graced these hallowed halls since the 1900s and now Chef Mario Christerna plans to honor that.

“I believe in restoring what’s already here,” says Christerna.

The building was home to the Jewish Baker’s Union, Paramount Ballroom, and the American Civil Liberties Union, just to name a few. Christerna calls himself the new custodian of the building. He restored the façade and added art reminiscent of the key players that spent their time here.

“Sonny and Cher were Caesar and Cleo. They used to live upstairs and play here,” says Christerna.

They performed at the Paramount Ballroom, which Christerna is bringing back to its former glory. It is where other notable artists like Count Basey, Rita Hayworth, and Social Distortion used to play. It will now be home to new artists of our generation.

“I feel like the timing was now. I feel like in my own spiritual way that there was some force working to bring us together to create it as the Paramount, to relive the Paramount, and to be the Paramount,” says Christerna.

Of course, Christerna is also a chef. He went to culinary school in L.A. then worked for a Michelin Star chef in Barcelona. He said the universe was pulling him back to his hometown, so he had to bring some food into the space.

Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Company will be opening in a few months. The name reminiscent of what the street used to be named and what natives still call it.

“I hope that when they come, they feel like they are at home. They feel peaceful alive together. They feel this is where they need to be,” says Christerna.

With a fine dining restaurant in the works next door, Christerna is bringing the history of Boyle Heights back to life, while also making room for future growth. He is excited to bring new jobs and opportunities to his neighborhood.

Christerna works closely with the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory to give internships to students in the kitchen and ballroom.

“This is where I started. This is where I belong. This is my hood. I love Boyle Heights,” says Christerna.

His love is seen in every inch of the space, as he works to restore and celebrate the history of Boyle Heights.

For ticket information for the Paramount Ballroom, click here.