Aaron Binder

BINDER , Aaron
On January 15, Aaron Morris Binder passed away at home in Santa Monica following a long battle with cancer. He was 79. "Archie" was born on July 4, 1927 in Boyle Heights and lived his entire life in Los Angeles.
As a child of the Great Depression, he worked at all kinds of jobs to help support his immigrant parents and family. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1945 and just after his eighteenth birthday, he joined the United States Navy. He was sent to Japan where he witnessed the aftermath of the atomic destruction of Tokyo. Years later, and the father of two, he was again activated for naval duty for the duration of the Korean War. Binder was a high energy and ambitious young man who entered the stock brokerage profession where he eventually opened his own brokerage company. Then, quick to recognize opportunity in the emerging fast food industry, he opened and successfully operated Handy's at the corner of La Cienega and Melrose. Later he applied his entrepreneurial flare to a more upscale food concept and launched a dozen All American Burger restaurants throughout Los Angeles. A man of strong moral convictions and a zeal for social justice, Binder defied unspoken biased hiring practices and gave people jobs regardless of their race, age, gender or sexual orientation. The composition of employees in his city-wide restaurants was eclectic in a Los Angeles that was still years away from honoring multiculturalism and diversity. Binder sold the restaurant chain and went into private consulting. One of his successes was the concept and launching of the Mighty Mutt chain for Arco Oil Company. Always quick to spot the unique, he opened Café Beignet in Santa Monica with his daughter, Judy. A New Orleans style eatery located in a bowling alley, Café Beignet became the in-place for celebrities over the next decade for 50's style bowling and burger parties for nostalgic adults and their children. Aaron Binder was also a gifted writer. His novel, Change of Face, brought him a measure of success and recognition. He also wrote a fitness handbook for seniors, Pumping Iron after Fifty as well as numerous short pieces for several California community newspapers. He formed the Golden Thread Group where he applied his many talents to producing educational health and wellness videos and publications. At the same time, he included acting, screenwriting, and public speaking in his many-faceted life.
In 2002, Binder married Sylvia Moss, a distinguished artist and retired professor of theatre arts at UCLA. Together, they shared an enthusiasm for fitness exercise, a passion for ballroom dancing and artistic endeavors, and a love for the good company of their many dear friends. Well into his senior years, Binder remained committed to his social justice ideals. He supported organizations such as Father Gregory Boyle's Homeboy Industries and other programs for reaching out to youths at risk. Even with a threatening disease, Aaron maintained his upbeat approach and positive view of life.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, a sister, Faye Rich, and his son, David."
A memorial will be held in his honor on Sunday, January 28, at 4:00, at the Spitfire Grill, 3300 Airport Avenue, in the Santa Monica Airport."