from the collection of Mimi Payne
I first reported on the rumored demise of the Beverly Hills Trader Vic’s two months ago, and today comes some more solid evidence. The Los Angeles Business Journal reports that plans have been developed to demolish the restaurant, along with some surrounding structures, to put up two new 13-story towers. The towers would hold a mix of condominiums and hotel rooms, and would dramatically change the appearance of the Santa Monica & Wilshire Blvd intersection where the Trader Vic’s logo currently dominates. The Beverly Hills Trader Vic’s is the oldest location, having opened in 1955. The Beverly Hilton hotel was purchased two years ago by Beny Alagem, co-founder of Packard Bell, from Merv Griffin, who had owned the property for many years.
A timeframe for the project is not included in the report, but the plan is up for review at next Tuesday’s city council meeting.
- Residences Planned for Beverly Hilton (reg. req.) [Los Angeles Business Journal]
- Beverly Hills Trader Vic’s Days May Be Numbered [Critiki News]
- Well THAT would kinda suck !: Vic’s Beverly Hills a goner? [Tiki Central]
- Trader Vic’s, Beverly Hills [Critiki]
Critiki News 
The bartender there has been there almost since it opened… can you imagine his resume? Mixing MaiTai’s for 40+ years! – you have great websites, Max
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Sad to hear! My daughter and I tagged along on my wife’s business trip to L.A. last June. While my wife worked one day, my daughter and I went to see Madagascar at the Cinerama. I had already planned to take her after the movie for a “snack” without realizing the movie had a tiki bar scene (highly recommened movie for all – with or without kids). Anyway, we went about 4 pm – it was pretty quiet – and had a sushi platter and a Mai Tai for me and a Shirley Temple for her – she’s 7. She thought it was pretty cool. Kept the swizzle stick of course!!
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Looks like you know your stuff
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