Written by: Southbay Buzz Daily Staff
Hermosa Beach / Redondo Beach, CA — For longtime South Bay residents, Hennessey’s Tavern isn’t just a place to grab a burger or a drink — it’s part of the neighborhood’s DNA. Now, one local screenwriter and lifelong fan has turned that affection into a full-blown theme song.
Local screenwriter and producer Matt Allen, known for writing the studio hit Four Christmases, Soul Surfer, and producing 2022’s Block Party, has created an original jingle for the popular tavern titled “Meet Me at Hennessey’s.”
Allen, a longtime resident of the Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach area, says Hennessey’s has been a personal and professional constant in his life for years.
“I used to sit at the Hermosa location at night and write pages of my scripts there,” Allen said. “It became part of my routine. I became a fan of their burgers, and especially their famous Captain Crunch French toast. It was comfort food, a great view, and a place where you could actually get work done while still feeling part of the community.”
Over the years, Hennessey’s became more than just a writing spot. Allen frequently brought visiting friends, collaborators, and family members there to experience what he describes as a uniquely South Bay mix of casual hospitality, ocean views, and simple, satisfying food and drinks.
As his family grew and his children attended local schools, Hennessey’s remained a familiar gathering place. The connection became even more personal when his eldest daughter, Ryan, took a job as a hostess at Hennessey’s during her senior year at Mira Costa High School.
“For me, Hennessey’s was an anchor of the neighborhood,” Allen said. “It’s like our very own beach version of Cheers. Everybody knows it, everybody has memories there.”
Still actively writing and producing films, Allen recently decided to channel that nostalgia and affection into a creative tribute: a rock-and-roll, pop-style jingle celebrating the tavern’s role as a local hangout.
The song, “Meet Me at Hennessey’s,” is now available on YouTube Music, with releases on Spotify and other major platforms coming soon.
Notably, Allen says the song wasn’t commissioned — and he didn’t ask for permission.
“It’s a gift,” he said with a laugh. “I just made it because I wanted to. I hope the crew at Hennessey’s can appreciate it. If they do anything with the song, that’s great. If not, that’s okay too. I made it for them.”
For a business that has long positioned itself as a neighborhood gathering place, Allen’s tribute feels fitting — a reminder of how deeply local institutions can weave themselves into the personal stories of the communities they serve.
As Allen puts it, “Some places aren’t just restaurants. They’re part of your life.”
“Meet Me at Hennessey’s” is available now on YouTube Music, with additional streaming platforms to follow.