Local favorite wine bar Lou – in the Melrose Place strip-mall on Vine across from the Pavilions (you know…the one with the Flaming Patty’s) – will be changing hands in the coming weeks. Proprietor Lou Amdur announced his plans to sell the restaurant on his website and via twitter early Monday. The post was very straight forward and reflected a restaurateur who was at peace with his decision to let go.
Read Lou’s Farewell message here.
He indicates that his love of wine is taking him to the next stage on a journey of discovery. And, Lou promises that he’ll soon let us in on what is energizing him enough to give up a business he loves so much.
EaterLA notes that the new owner of Lou is Troy Stevens. We will follow up and see if we can get a hold of Stevens to discuss his plans for the wine bar.
Los Angeles Times – Lou Amdur to Sell Lou
Discover Los Angeles – Red, White and Lou (old article about Lou)
UPDATE – March 19th via Lou’s Website
Business sale update
I now have a better picture of the State of California Alcohol Beverage Control license transfer timing and when escrow will close, and so here is a quick update on the status of the sale of my wine bar. I want to use this opportunity to introduce you to the buyer, Troy Stevens. Troy’s intention is to keep everything in the restaurant intact, with the same employees you have come to know and love, the same décor, and the same menu. His plan is to run the restaurant as a going concern, with no closure or gap in service. Over time, I am sure he will make small changes to improve and optimize the business, to put his mark on it, and make to the place his own. My name may no longer be on the masthead but I will be leaving you in very good hands. Troy will be working with me over the next few weeks to smooth the transition (it turns out that there are many details, small and large, involved in running a restaurant, e.g., I am now an expert on evaporative coolers), and you will have the chance to meet him in person.
The sale and change of occupant will finalize some time during the week of April 16. I do hope you stop by before then to say hello and to meet Troy. We are planning a bacchanalia to mark the sale, and I will be sure to keep you informed about that.