Matteo Chizzola Opened Popular Los Feliz Matcha Stand
The 27-year-old entrepreneur draws crowds to a sidewalk corner with Japanese-imported matcha and fresh ingredients.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Tea
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Matteo Chizzola has found success operating a weekend matcha lemonade stand on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Talmadge Street in Los Feliz. The 27-year-old launched the venture last year following a period of unemployment.
Why it matters
The stand has become a local fixture, providing Chizzola with income and structure while highlighting a growing interest in artisanal, small-batch refreshments. The business gained significant exposure when it was featured in an Alo and Vogue commercial in September 2026.
Each matcha drink is priced at $5 and features matcha powder imported from Nishio, Japan. Chizzola sources his fresh produce from Schaner Farms at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.
The players
Matteo Chizzola
He is the 27-year-old operator of a matcha lemonade stand based in the Los Feliz neighborhood.
Schaner Farms
This is an agricultural producer that supplies fresh ingredients at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.
The details
Chizzola prepares his drinks by mixing imported matcha powder with cold water in a cocktail shaker to aerate the mixture. He manages the stand on weekends at the busy Los Feliz intersection.
Timeline
The matcha stand operation began last year.
Matteo's Matcha appeared in a commercial in September 2026.
Chizzola set up the stand on October 9, 2026.
Culture Shift
This venture reflects the rise of micro-entrepreneurship in Los Angeles sidewalk commerce. It demonstrates how independent operators are bypassing traditional brick-and-mortar models to build brands through high-quality, niche ingredients.
Residents can visit the Franklin Avenue and Talmadge Street corner on weekends to purchase the $5 matcha drinks. The stand operates for approximately 12 hours total each week, requiring visitors to time their arrival during these weekend windows.
The takeaway
Starting a small-scale venture can offer significant professional structure and personal growth for those navigating career transitions. Entrepreneurs can successfully cultivate a local following by prioritizing high-quality, imported ingredients and consistent weekend operations.
Further reading
For more on the local beverage scene, explore the Tea section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LAist.
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