Goodbye To The Legendary Formosa Cafe…
Alison Martino, who created the great website “Vintage Los Angeles”, posted this on Instagram tonight:
“Well, it’s unfortunately official. @theformosacafe has closed and the building is for lease.”
Alison told me that “Esotouric’s Secret Los Angeles” broke the story, but once she shared it on her website, it went viral.
Alison has spent so much of her time trying to keep vintage Hollywood alive, and this is just more awful news…but the building owners are apparently looking for new tenants – so there is hope!
If there is someone who can step up, we can save this legendary Hollywood haunt!
Hollywood’s Legendary Formosa Cafe!
Here’s the history of the restaurant, according to wikipedia:
“The Formosa was founded in 1925 by 1920s prize-fighter Jimmy Bernstein. Bernstein operated his establishment initially in a Red Car trolley located just east of The Lot Studios.
Generations of movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable have eaten meals at The Formosa. Frank Sinatra is reputed to have spent many nights at the Formosa in the 1950s, pining over Ava Gardner.
In the 1991, the restaurant was threatened with demolition when its lease expired as plans evolved for, first, The Lot, the soon-to-be renamed Warner Bros studio lot parking lot, and later what would become The Lot shopping center. Due to concerted citizen and preservationist efforts, the restaurant was preserved in its present location as a landmark.”
Unfortunately, that didn’t help save this landmark, which was used brilliantly in the film “LA Confidential.”
In that classic scene, Guy Pearce confronts Lana Turner in the bar, thinking she is a prostitute “cut” to look like a movie star…
This scene was shot at The Formosa, so at least we will always be able to go back one more time to see this classic location…because it has been designated a historic landmark, the building may not be at risk, but a ill-advised interior remodel has destroyed much of what made the space unique…we’ll see what happens now…
CALL TO ACTION!
The owners are apparently looking for new tenants, so perhaps a great Restauranteur will step up….if you know of someone who has a vision for The Formosa, let them know that the building owners want to save it….I will update as more is known…
Destroying Hollywood’s Past…
This is just the latest example of a classic Hollywood institution closing…just last year, Dominick’s in West Hollywood closed its doors…
Here’s a look at this legendary celebrity haunt:
You can still see landmarks Hollywood locations, like Hollywood’s “Hightower” apartment…
This location has been used in many films, see them here:
Journalist / TV Producer Alison Martino is fighting to save these local hangouts for future movie lovers to enjoy…
Check out my story about her website Vintage LosAngeles here:
Make sure to follow this great site at:
A sad day to have to say goodbye to The Formosa Cafe…makes me want to watch “LA Confidential” with a nice cold drink in my hand…
