Hidden Gems: Meet Derrick Pipkin of Pips Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Pipkin.

Hi Derrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Story with PIPS On LaBrea

Long before it was PIPS, this corner of La Brea was my favorite spot as a kid. My grandfather used to bring me here when it was a little Italian restaurant. I didn’t know much about business back then — I just knew I loved the feeling of being there. The food, the people, the joy. It stuck with me.

Years later, in 2009, during one of the worst economic times, I took a leap of faith and opened PIPS On LaBrea — right on that same corner. I had no restaurant experience, just a deep love for music, community, and the memories my grandfather gave me. I turned that inspiration into action and built something from the heart.

It wasn’t easy. We faced real challenges — staffing, finances, learning it all on the go. But I leaned on what I knew best: creating experiences and making people feel welcome. With support from the community and incredible artists who believed in the vision, PIPS grew into something more than a restaurant.

Today, we’re a staple in the neighborhood — a place where people come for the food, stay for the music, and return for the vibe. From Sunday jazz brunches to Friday night soul, every week is a celebration of culture, connection, and consistency.

Fifteen years later, we’re still here — stronger, louder, and more soulful than ever. And we’re just getting started.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been an easy road. From the beginning, there were tough lessons—learning how to run a restaurant with no experience, dealing with staffing issues, and keeping things afloat during slow seasons. Then came the pandemic, which nearly shut us down. We had to pivot overnight just to survive. On top of that, doing business in California hasn’t gotten any easier—labor costs, food prices, insurance, and lease expenses have all skyrocketed. But through it all, we pushed forward. The love from the community, our passion for music and great food, and sheer determination kept us going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pips Entertainment?
PIPS Entertainment – Where Culture, Community & Celebration Come to Life

At PIPS Entertainment, we don’t just produce events—we create experiences that move people. Founded over 35 years ago by Derrick Pipkin, a passionate Los Angeles native with a gift for bringing people together, our business is rooted in music, connection, and unforgettable moments.

We specialize in live music events, cultural festivals, and upscale dining, and we’re best known for our legendary Party in Palm Springs Weekend Getaway, our highly anticipated 2nd Annual Soul Springs Festival, and our top-rated jazz restaurant, PIPS On LaBrea, located in the heart of LA.

What sets us apart? It’s the soul we put into everything we do. From our carefully curated lineups to the way we greet our guests, PIPS isn’t just an event or a venue—it’s a feeling. We blend hospitality, entertainment, and a deep love for community to craft experiences that stay with you. Whether it’s a sun-soaked festival in the desert, a smooth jazz night with great food and great friends, or a seamless ride to one of our events with our LA Shuttle Service, we take pride in every detail.

The Soul Springs Festival—now heading into its second year—has already become a must-attend celebration of soul music and desert vibes, drawing guests from all over the country to experience live performances, wine tastings, and a weekend full of magic at the Cathedral City Amphitheater.

We’re proud to be a Black-owned business that continues to grow by staying true to our roots—celebrating life, culture, and joy through music and shared experiences. We want your readers to know that when you come to a PIPS event, you’re not just attending—you’re part of the family.

Come dine, dance, and celebrate with us. We’re not just building a brand—we’re building a legacy.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Who move my cheese, blue ocean strategies,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pipsonlabrea.com
• Instagram: pipsonlabrea
• Facebook: pipsonlabrea
• LinkedIn: pipsonlabrea
• Twitter: pipsonlabrea
• Youtube: pipsonlabrea