Welcome To Rally Shack

Rally Shack – Our Story
 
We are more than a café—we are a community hub. Rally Shack was founded on the belief that the best way to enjoy Griffith Park is with a handcrafted burger or a slice of our legendary Swedish-style pizza. We proudly serve the Los Angeles community with artisanal comfort food and a vibrant spirit that celebrates the park’s unique culture.
 
At the heart of Rally Shack is a story of passion, culture, and connection. Vartan, of Persian and Swedish heritage, grew up in Sweden where he developed his love for authentic Swedish-style pizza. Before coming to the United States, he owned and operated pizza and burger restaurants in Stockholm, Sweden, refining his craft and building a reputation for quality and flavor. After moving to Glendale, California, he opened Viking Pizza—quickly recognized as one of the best pizza spots in Los Angeles around 2015. His signature style—bold, savory, and uniquely Swedish—became a standout in the local food scene.
 
It was in Los Angeles that Vartan met Brent Pettersson when he came to eat at his restaurant—a first-generation Swedish-American and founder of LA Tennis Inc., who has been building community through tennis in Griffith Park since the mid-1990s. Brent’s deep roots in the park, combined with his lifelong commitment to community programming, gave him a unique perspective on what was missing: a central place where people could gather, refuel, and connect.
 
Brent’s vision was also shaped by his upbringing. His father was a well-known restaurateur in New York City, and from an early age, Brent understood the power of food to bring people together. After decades of serving the Griffith Park community through tennis, he saw the need for something more—an inviting environment that could elevate the park experience for families, athletes, and visitors alike.
 
Together, Brent and Vartan worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Combining Vartan’s culinary expertise with Brent’s deep community roots, Rally Shack was born—a place where great food meets great energy, and where everyone feels welcome.
 
SWEDEBurger™ – Our Signature Swedish Creation
Only at Rally Shack in Griffith Park
 
Out of that same spirit of innovation and heritage came one of Rally Shack’s most unique creations—Brent’s signature SWEDEBurger™.
A one-of-a-kind burger that brings Swedish comfort food to the heart of Los Angeles. We start with a toasted kaiser roll layered with crisp lettuce, then stack it with a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes. On top, we place our signature Swedish meatballs, finished with rich melted cheese and classic Swedish flavors that tie it all together.

Warm, hearty, and completely craveable—where burger meets tradition in the most unexpected (and unforgettable) way.
 

What We Stand For

RALLY stands for:

• Refuel

• Athletes

• Local Families

• Legendary Bites

• Your Place

•  

SHACK stands for:

• Savory Swedish Pizza

• Hot

• Always Fresh

• Craveable

• Kickin’ Flavor

Rally Shack isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where the energy of the park comes together to eat—it’s where the energy of the park comes together.