Trader Vic's Headed to Downtown?
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
717 W. 9th, seen here under construction, features a restaurant space on the corner.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — According to a press release put out today, the Trader Vic's restaurant chain is set to be coming to Downtown in 2009. At the helm of the franchised location is the Valencia Group, also behind the upcoming restaurant at the Union Lofts.
The Valencia Group, a Los Angeles-based restaurant management group, announced plans for the 2009 opening of legendary Trader Vic's in Downtown Los Angeles. The group is currently evaluating several locations for the restaurant near the Nokia Theatre and the Staples Center.
... "As Los Angeles natives, we're proud to be part of the Downtown renaissance," said [Senior Partner John] Valencia. "There's a rich history of great fine dining restaurants here and, with the increase in residents and businesses relocating Downtown, we think Trader Vic's will be bustling."
While the release says multiple locations are under consideration, the website for the restaurant shows a rendering of 717 W. 9th, under construction at the corner of 9th and Flower. That project would make for a logical fit, given that the Valencia Group has an existing relationship with developer Meruelo-Maddux through the Union Lofts project.
717 W. 9th is scheduled for a mid-2009 completion, which could fit with the restaurant's proposed timetable.
Update (10pm): The website has removed the shot of 717 W. 9th, replacing it with a generic skyline photo.
Lauren on April 30, 2008, at 12:29PM – #1
I love Trader Vic's. The that big names come downtown the more comfortable people will feel moving down here, especially as people are priced out of other markets.
JEremy R on April 30, 2008, at 03:29PM – #2
Bring on the chains. More chains, more suburbanites, more business. I am happy that MOST of the proposed restaurants have been non-chains so far. That is a good thing, but to continue to bring in the sheep, you need solid chains.
Frank on April 30, 2008, at 08:07PM – #3
Eric, Check out the website they have removed the 717 9th st photo. I guess you may be wrong......
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on April 30, 2008, at 09:52PM – #4
Frank: It wouldn't shock me if they ended up doing a deal, but it would seem that someone wasn't too pleased with the way the site set up the dots to be connected.
Frank on May 01, 2008, at 06:37PM – #5
Eric, I heard that the new Trader Vic's group wants a large space. And 717 9thst is only 7000sqft. ????
Scott Mercer on May 02, 2008, at 03:10AM – #6
I am SO THERE. Whatever building it ends up in.
Pour me a Chi-Chi!
No more taking the subway up to Tiki-Ti! I can stagger right home after getting soused.
Ginny-Marie Case on May 02, 2008, at 01:33PM – #7
I'd rather have a Trader JOE'S
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on May 02, 2008, at 02:10PM – #8
Ginny: I thought about going that angle with the story.
Don Noyes-More on May 03, 2008, at 12:44PM – #9
The old (Beverly Hills) Trader Vic's of my childhood was a wonderful place to be as a kid or adult. Sort of Kitchy in 'the day' but wonderful! It was a bit of a low brow rain-forest environment...lol
Don Noyes-More Editor in Chief Downtown LA Life Magazine Since 2000
Nancy-Jean Carlson on May 05, 2008, at 05:47PM – #10
Yeah, I LOVED the kitchy-ness of the BH Trader Vics - I stole a pair of the tiki salt and pepper shakers that were on EVERY table back in the 90's. Very happy I did. I can only imagine this one will be styled like the always boring "Roys" - sooooo predictable. Let's hope it will have more imagination. Also, I too would rather see a Trader Joes!!!
John Crandell on May 05, 2008, at 07:29PM – #11
One for two: a building with one side to look like that south seas restaurant with the waterfall on it's front that once stood on Olive, south of Pershing Square. That side can be used for Vic's. On the other side put up large sailing masts, like from a 19th Century trading ship, with big canvas sails. That's the side for Joe's. Where? Where Parker Center now sits, of course. And all of the parking fees put to use for Skid Row housing.