Slow Road for The Must
Ed Fuentes
Must co-owners Rachel Thomas and Coly Den Haan stand at 5th and Spring in July
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It’s been a long six months for Rachel Thomas and Coly Den Haan, co-owners of The Must. Their Historic Core wine bar was taken away in the middle of the night on July 3 by a complicated business deal that has left the pair spending much of their time dealing with lawyers and paperwork.
Even in the aftermath, the two remained positive about their prospects, announcing plans to reopen one block away the next month.
“We thought we’d be open by now,” said Den Haan this week.
Instead, the two are continuing the process of finalizing their new location and hope to be able to make an announcement in the next two weeks.
Still, they remain positive about their neighborhood.
“We can’t walk our dogs and go five feet without someone asking when we’re going to reopen,” said Thomas.
“The love and support is really incredible,” added Den Haan.
The pair continue to pursue legal action against what they feel was an illegal takeover of their business and possessions. They recently filed a motion to expand their action to include representatives of Simpson Housing, the owner of the Security Lofts building where The Must was previously located, and others who advised the business sale.
When the bar does return, it will definitely be close to The Must’s previous home. “We are going to be a stones throw away,” said Den Haan.
In the end, the draw of the venture is worth all the headache. “We loved our business and we loved what we were doing,” she said.
Tara Devine on January 06, 2011, at 08:16AM – #1
I miss the Must! ALOT. I can't wait for the return...good luck!
Jeff Alu on January 06, 2011, at 09:01AM – #2
Very much looking forward to the day when the MUST returns to downtown...
Guest on January 06, 2011, at 09:52AM – #3
Had to laugh when they mentioned everyone talking to them on the street. I see them all the time out and about and it's all I can do to not bug them about when they are going to open. Glad to hear I'm not the only one! Such great people, such a great place, can't wait for it to open again!!! -Brian Huff
skidrowdude on January 06, 2011, at 10:05AM – #4
I cannot wait until The Must returns- lots of new places have opened since the abrupt closing of The Must in July, but none compare with what The Must was, and hopefully will be again. I really hope they win their lawsuits and are compensated for thier loss of business and expenses associated with it.
Justin Sullivan on January 06, 2011, at 12:08PM – #5
I want pretzel bites!
Downtown Cowboy on January 06, 2011, at 12:43PM – #6
I wish them well during this difficult time and will be there the day they open in their new location.
NancyJean at Pet Project on January 07, 2011, at 06:07PM – #7
I'm not very good at waiting for things I like. And this is one of them!! Hurry up!!! :o)
Julian B on January 28, 2011, at 09:57AM – #8
As usual, it’s all about greed and hunger for more money. For those who hate Julie Rico and think she is evil, hey DTLA you have not seen anything yet!!! Wait until you meet the new owner, the guy who bought her place, the infamous David A McGrath, the ran-sacker of The Must and the former Pink Hot Dog cook at the Racetrack Casino!
David A McGrath in tandem with our "friend" Julie Rico crated the perfect storm for Coly, the owner of The Must, out of pure greed and of course out of pure evil. He (David A McGrath) being the purchaser and Julie Rico beng the seller, they two conspired to destroy the beloved wine bar that many residents of DT loved at one point.
THE SOLUTION: In the interest of justice boycott the “Stray Cat Café”. David McGrath opened that place of The Must's expense and the expense of 18 employees. This bunch was making a lot of money for The Must’s owner Coly and her partner (see the picture above) before David A. McGrath lurked and menacingly came from the dark, entered upon closing at 2:45AM and cleaned the place out.
HELLO LA! Meet the new owner DAVID A McGRATH, the character you will now have to deal with instead of dealing with Julie Rico. Or just ignore him and the Stray Cat Cafe! This gentleman, David A McGrath wanted the success of The Must to become his own success. That’s why he did ransacked The Must in conspiracy with Julie Ricco with money of questionable background that is yet to be determined where it came from, as the fast bite cook at Racetrack Casino could not save $250,00. This is what he allegedly paid to Julie Rico for Weeneeezzz! Drama, drama and evil characters hunting good forces fuel this story!