Ownership Dispute Brings Changes at Crocker Club
Pamela Rouse
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A dispute between ownership partners at the Crocker Club went public yesterday, by way of a notice posted on the venue's Spring street door by "current and sole owner of The Crocker Club Inc Thomas Turner."
Turner and Vincent Terzian, the bar's public face since its January 2009 opening, unsurprisingly tell different stories when it comes to the status of the Historic Core establishment, which occupies a vault in the basement of the former Crocker Citizens National Bank building at 5th and Spring.
Terzian says that the two are equal owners involved in a dispute over how the club should be run.
"This is very unfortunate that my 'Silent Investor' business partner Is not decent or respectful enough to keep our personal business affairs confidential until the attorneys are able to resolve our matters of dispute," said Terzian in an emailed statement. "Both attorneys are in the process of figuring out who and which side of the ownership -- The investor owning 50% and I Vincent owning the other 50% -- is willing to buy the other side out."
Turner, who is operating the club as of Wednesday evening, disagrees. While he declined to go into detail on ownership specifics given the possibility of litigation, he emphasized his desire to see the venue move forward. "I have no ill feelings toward Vince," Turner said. "I'm just trying to take it over and make sure that it runs in a happy, profitable, great manner."
In the short term, that means changing the venue's strict dress code. "It's lightened, come on down," Turner said.
"I want to make sure the neighborhood has a nice, fun, safe place to go," he said. "I would love to have feedback from everyone in the neighborhood."
Guest on March 31, 2010, at 07:41PM – #1
Happy hour.
Jamie DeFrisco on March 31, 2010, at 08:00PM – #2
A more relaxed dress code is a nice start, especially during the week.
The couple of times I went there the service was lacking, but that was 9+ months ago. Hopefully that has improved.
I agree with the happy hour or you could have daily deals on certain days.
Last time I was there they didn't have any drink menus, so if they don't exist yet, it's a good idea. Not everyone walks into a bar and knows what they want or they might be interested in trying an interesting drink on the menu. It speeds up service because you don't have people asking the waiter/waitress/bartender what they have or what they can make.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on March 31, 2010, at 08:04PM – #3
I'm not sure exactly what it entails, but Crocker Club already advertises a happy hour, from 5 - 7:30pm, Wednesday through Friday (at least according to the website).
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 09:23AM – #4
Part of what makes great places like The Crocker Club are dress codes, keeps the riff raff away from turning a classy, modern bar such as this one like any other bar. I would agree to have a less inforced dress code during the week. I would hate to see such a great bar like this one lose its integrity from which it started.
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 09:48AM – #5
To: Jamie, Eric & Guest My name is Thomas Turner, I would like to thank you for your feedback and recommendations. I appreciate hearing from the public and what they might like to see more or less of at The Crocker Club. My goal is to accommodate the public as best as I can, and if that means lightning the previous strict dress code during the week then that is what I shall do. I will continue to keep this establishment as classy and modern as possible without any riff raff clientele. Any additional feedback from you or anyone else, again is very much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you all down at The Crocker Club very soon.
Downtownie on April 01, 2010, at 09:52AM – #6
I am/was fine with the dress code, but I think the service should be seriously upgraded. I went there and sat in one of the converted safety deposit box booths and turned on the light. No waiter/waitress came to help, so 5-10 minutes later I went to the bar to see if I could get a drink there and the line was way too long so I left. Because they failed to serve me when I used the system set in place to ask for help, I haven't been back since. Friends of mine have had similar bad experiences. If you up the response time of the servers I'll be back in a heartbeat.
Thomas Turner on April 01, 2010, at 10:09AM – #7
To: Downtownie I am very sorry for your inconvenience at your recent visit to the Crocker Club. I am aware of your concerns and you are not the first person to bring this to my attention. I am doing everything I can to try and rectify this problem immediately. I want The Crocker Club to be as friendly and accommodating as it can be on a very personal level. Please reconsider coming back and ask for me personally, I will take of you and will do my absolute best that this will not happen again to you or anyone else for that matter and ensure that your visit is a great one so that you may want to come back in the future. See you soon!
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 10:14AM – #8
I agree with having some sort of dress code. Maybe not as strict as it is now though. You don't want The Crocker Club turn into another "Down and Out." We want to keep places in that area classy!
Rich Alossi on April 01, 2010, at 11:07AM – #9
My issue was always the selective enforcement of the dress code and serious attitude problems with bouncers up front. This isn't Hollywood, and you shouldn't feel like you're being harassed before you even enter the place.
Hey, no untucked shirts? Okay. But that guy in there is wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 12:58PM – #10
Dress codes are antithetical to establishments worth patronizing, especially in a city like Los Angeles -- and further, in a neighborhood like downtown -- unless you mean a dress code that prevents entry for looking boring or a clone. We're not like other cities -- for a reason, and the idea of a lounge with a dress code screams both suburbia and a joint that's trying way too hard to be "clean."
The Crocker is a beautiful space and shouldn't feel the need to play into that tired, cliched lounge game of an aloof doorman in a polyester suit policing fashion. It only breeds a homogenized and not very interesting crowd.
We already have enough lounges downtown for the buttoned down MBA crowd and USC frat boys. Not even the Library Bar enforces a dress code and by default, it's almost exclusively suits.
Steve Livigni on April 01, 2010, at 01:06PM – #11
Dress codes and discerning doormen are not Hollywood specific, these things exist in every city in the world where upscale venues exist, this is how it's done. I can't believe downtowners keep saying "this isn't Hollywood" as the excuse for anything that doesn't personally please them. Who decided that downtown is the most relaxed area in LA? If you want to wear an untucked shirt you can go ANYWHERE ELSE in downtown. This is the center of one of the most glamorous cities in the world and downtown is the home of fashion in Los Angeles, we should absolutely have venues that encourage guests to dress up. If you show up at a place that is very clear about what their dress code is and you look like a bum, you should be turned away. I applaud Vincent for sticking to his guns over the past couple years and enforcing the dress code.
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 02:58PM – #12
If you want to have a dress code that is fine and obviously your choice. As a downtown resident though I would just say that me (and most of by friends) don't usually get extra dressed up when we go out. So on many a night when we are walking around thinking of a place to grab a drink we have to skip crocker club as a possible location. Personally I think it would be better for the establishment, but if they are doing fine more power to them.
Friendly Neighbor on April 01, 2010, at 03:27PM – #13
can we get the A/C turned on in this place?it's always SO hot in there...and perhaps switch the music up a bit...I like that this isn't a dance club, but it'd be cool to actually be able to dance in that corner by the DJ instead of swaying awkwardly to the mix that is being played....
I love the Crocker and hope it stays open for a long, long time!
Trevor on April 01, 2010, at 03:56PM – #14
I am invited to a birthday party at the Crocker Club on Saturday and I'm probably not going to go because of the dress code. I say that full knowing that I normally dress in pants, nice shoes, long sleeved collared shirts, no hats, logos or athletic gear. I'm in my early 30s and visually not a sight gag. But I don't wear blazers, spray tan and I try and keep my carbon footprint low by not putting product in my hair. That all being said, I get hassled every single time I get invited and go to one of these places. It's arbitrary. I'm just not going to chance driving downtown, parking and then getting humiliated at the door by someone not qualified to manage a lemonade stand.
Guest on April 01, 2010, at 05:08PM – #15
I have to agree. I work / live downtown and wear busniess casual or a suit to work everyday. When I go out I think I dress well, but the last thing I want to do is wear work clothes or tuck my shirt into my jeans. To be honest I have never had a problem with what I am wearing in hollywood since I usually wear jeans and a button down shirt (not tucked in), but have been told by the bouncer at CC that I couldn't get in. That being said the one time I went there after work I thought the interior was really cool.
Dave Bullock (@eecue) on April 01, 2010, at 06:37PM – #16
I'm fine with the dress code, but it was a bit disappointing the few times my friends couldn't come with me because they were wearing t-shirts. But I guess that's their faults for not dressing as nerdily as I do. =]
Jacob Holloway on April 02, 2010, at 09:53AM – #17
Nerds FTW, Dave!
Just for reference, CC's listing on Yelp reveals lots of room for improvement. The main gripes seem to amount to:
If some of these have already been remedied, huzzah!
Ryan Carandang on April 02, 2010, at 09:57AM – #18
Mr. Turner, I am a fan of the Crocker Club and hope you are able to continue moving forward with that venue. I have been a nightclub promoter for 13 years, mostly in Hollywood. I moved to Downtown to join in the rejuvenation of the area, mainly the nightlife. That being said, the Crocker Club is unique because of its upscale dress code. I applaud your efforts to uphold those requirements, even if it isn't well received by the patrons. There are plenty of places that accept jeans and t-shirts within walking distance. If someone refuses to respect the dress code, they aren't the people you should be attracting to that venue.
The argument that downtown shouldn't be mimicking Hollywood. Even Hollywood's dress code has changed, Sneakers and Baseball caps have become trendy, while dress shirts and slacks have become outdated. Downtown is for the mature professional crowd, and the Crocker Club is one of the few that upholds that. As a resident of Downtown, I respect the history, traditions, and culture that makes the area unique. I hope that the Crocker Club continues to set an example for higher standards for future venues to follow.
Guest on April 02, 2010, at 11:07AM – #19
You will not get riff raff if you don`t play hip hop, You are only as good as your drinks and music :-)
Guest on April 02, 2010, at 01:29PM – #20
ive been a regular at the crocker club since its opened and i think a lot of the complaints about the dress code are unfounded...whoever posted that "The Crocker is a beautiful space and shouldn't feel the need to play into that tired, cliched lounge game of an aloof doorman in a polyester suit policing fashion. It only breeds a homogenized and not very interesting crowd." is not really being correct because cario NEVER WOULD BE CAUGHT DEAD in a polyester suit and always is the sharpest dressed man in the whole place. i agree with steve that using "this isnt hwood" as an excuse for anything they dont like is totally egregious. there are many places in dt to go to if you dont wanto look classy and dress nice...i love how crocker wants the clientele to match the venue. keep it going!!! definitely service needs improvement though...and happy hour deals would be great.
Allison Corona on April 02, 2010, at 04:04PM – #21
Easing up on the dresscode isn't going to bring in the riff raff, the prices alone can keep them away.
Easing up will mean things like large parties all being able to get in. What happens when a large birthday party shows up, but the birthday person's significant other, forgot to change shoes? The entire party ends up leaving. This is a loss to everyone involved. They don't have to allow t-shirts, and they don't have to let women in flip flops in (I always get kicked out of Cedd Moses' bars for that), but if they did make an effort, let them in.
Guest on April 02, 2010, at 04:18PM – #22
I was just there last night. It is way too dark in this place. The ambiance is nice with the couches and candles, but brighten it up a bit please! Also, food menu is needed, so we can drink and munch. The drink (Heist Martini) I ordered was way too strong to enjoy.
Jamie DeFrisco on April 02, 2010, at 07:18PM – #23
Thomas Turner- Thank you for responding. I appreciate that you're interested in what customers and potential customers have to say.
I went to The Crocked Club a few times when it first opened. I was turned off mostly by the poor service and the dress code. If I'm going to get dressed up to go out to drink, it has to be worth it. Also, I'm not going to go to a place as often that I need to dress up to go to.
I find it ridiculous that what you wear automatically constitutes the type of person you are. I'm sorry that I find comfortable and more practical clothes more appealing. That doesn't make me riff raff. That doesn't mean I'm going to spend less money. That doesn't mean I don't hold intelligent conversations. I'm not interested into going into bars that I'm going to judged by what I'm wearing.
Guest on April 02, 2010, at 07:31PM – #24
Downtown is LA's center of fashion? Sorry, no.
Downtown is LA's center of the garment industry, without a doubt, but not fashion.
I've seen the kind of people who go to the Crocker. No fashion there, either.
I'd rather go where people put an effort into looking different and fun, not like a prep school or Nordstroms. Probably why The Association is more interesting of a place.
Robert Moran (@RobertMoranLA) on April 03, 2010, at 01:39AM – #25
The Crocker Club is one of my favorite places to go in Downtown LA, but I have some reservations about the relaxation of the dress code.
DawnC on April 05, 2010, at 11:28AM – #26
Can someone tell me what exactly classifies someone as "riff raff", I want to see if I fall into that category or not.
That being said...
I think the dress code should require everyone to wear hats. I think the lack of hats has become quite scandalous these days.
Guest on April 05, 2010, at 09:38PM – #27
Vince was a total jerk to me when I called him last month about a legitimate issue. I wouldn't wanna be his business partner! Good riddance!
FISH on April 06, 2010, at 08:20PM – #28
I live in South Park so I'd like to believe I'm not "riff raff." I don't mind spending $$$$ for expensive meals or experiences, but I refuse to sell myself out by being phony with my shirt tucked in. That's not my style, nor will it ever be. If my money is good at a Porsche dealership or the Ritz Carlton, why isn't it good at CC? I understand maintaining a good image / vibe, but why does one have to tuck their shirt in to do so? Why is it acceptable at The Standard and not CC? Like others mentioned, we live downtown. Why does it matter if our shirt is untucked? Nothing irritates me more than a ball busting doorman who cockblocks. Some of your patrons make more in 1 hour than what the door douche does in one night. I understand sweating Nikes and flip flops, but stop blocking on those that actually spend good money. Business can't be THAT great in this economy. Chill out on your cellphone beltclip / holsters and we will come.
DawnC on April 07, 2010, at 09:27AM – #29
What's a Fish doing trying to get into a nightclub anyway? How do you drive that Porsche without feet?
Guest on April 12, 2010, at 06:09PM – #30
"Nothing irritates me more than a ball busting doorman who cockblocks."
Whoa. It's shower time.
As a proud homo with nearly zero interest in porn (visual, or otherwise), that sentence was the text equivalent of a Tom of Finland cop / cowboy orgy. Hey, daddy...
FISH, if you fck like you use metaphors, call me. I'll suck your Blackberry right off your belt and that's just 4-play. Baby got front.
Loc Nguyen on April 18, 2010, at 01:51PM – #31
Deat Thomas,
To make your club more profitable a lot of things needs to change. I have been in the nightlcub business for over 15 years. When Vincet invited me out there to take a look at your establishment, I knew if you ran it the way you guys did it would go bankrupt.. Now I consult for 4 of the majors club in Hollywood, Long Beach, and Orange County. All the clubs I represent has been open for over 30 years, and doing great numbers still in this recession. First thing you have to change is Customer Service, You guys suck... Second is Music selection. There are so many club or bars closed becuase they dont understand music selection. The averge person spend 22 dollars at at club, becuase they stay there alot longer than the Croker Club. Your clients only come for an hour or so. That is why you are not able to make the most profit on your night. Hey Ryan tell Tom how long I been in the business.. All the club I represent are top clubs in Califronia for the last 5 years... I have alot more of shit to say about the past but my fingers are getting tired lol lol . So to let you know the truth.
Guest on April 19, 2010, at 10:38AM – #32
I like the Crocker. never had a problem to get in, bouncer's always been nice. Waitresses are a little... dumb... to be honest, but that's that...the manager has always been nice (some short guy with spiky hair)...
I think it needs to be cozier, and if you are going to have dumb waitresses, at leat make them blonde, you could also have a couple of guys in there, they always usually seem more awake, or how about another bar or an extra bartender... I like the music...
Oh and just to be clear, I quite dislike the Association, very loud music (quite difficult to talk) and very, very, very dark, always packed, hard to get a drink, they also need a couple more bartenders in their bar.
Oscar.