Los Angeles love! Moonshadows owner JD Slajchert sat down with ET to share how the California community has come together to support his family’s restaurant in Malibu, California after losing it to the wildfires in Jan. 2025.
The eatery, visited by Britney Spears, LeAnn Rimes, Lupita Nyong’o, Kim Kardashian, and more, was a go-to spot for famous faces and beyond.
“What made Moonshadows so unique was that at one table you could have some of the most notable A-list celebrities, and at the table beside them, there could be a normal family out to celebrate a birthday. It was an authentic melting pot. I think that was something that both celebrities and regular patrons alike enjoyed,” he explained.
And the outpouring love and support the former Division I athlete has received since is a testament to just that.
“Thousands of people from all over the world have reached out, often sharing their favorite photos and memories from the restaurant. It has been so touching and immensely helpful for my family and I as we navigate this difficult situation to be able to tangibly feel that reminder about how impactful Moonshadows was,” he continued.
In addition to receiving heartfelt messages, the novelist started a GoFundMe for the restaurant staff, which raised over $100,000, and they have been able to serve some of their most popular dishes at their sister spot, The Sunset.
“My hope is that we will continue to stick together and remain resilient. … It will be hard, and it will take time, but I’m confident in our community to bounce back. I believe in L.A.,” he shared.
While the screenwriter has faced his own hardships recently, it hasn’t prevented him from helping others, including those suffering with Sickle Cell Disease after losing his friend and UCSB basketball fan, Luc Bodden, to the health condition.
“I believe that giving back is the most important thing we do. … I credit this simple lesson in humility to my best friend, Luc. … Luc taught me that even if it’s something small, we have to always be looking out for others,” the motivational speaker noted.
in 2017, Slajchert even launched The LucStrong Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the family and children diagnosed with the blood disorder, and in 2018, he wrote MoonFlower, a best-selling novel about their bond, both of which constantly inspire him.
“Luc was legendary, and I know he could take on any challenge thrown his way, but it’s these days that I feel his legendary strength more and more, and because he’s no longer here with us, I feel a great responsibility to carry his message forward to a community that’s considerably in need of his inspiration right now,” he said ahead of what would have been Bodden’s 19th birthday on May 12.
“Stand tall, love each other, and remember that you are not alone and that we will get through this. Brighter days are ahead, I promise,” he added.
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