Employees Only LA, a prominent cocktail bar and restaurant in West Hollywood, California, announced it will permanently close on September 27, concluding nearly ten years of operation. The closure adds to a recent wave of businesses shutting down in the city.
The bar, a West Coast outpost of a Manhattan establishment, opened in April 2018. It featured an art-deco design with dark wood and banquettes, and included a hidden speakeasy space called Henry's Room. Located next door to the popular celebrity hotspot Delilah, Employees Only LA was a frequent destination for celebrities and a popular spot for paparazzi and people-watching.
Owners shared the announcement on social media, thanking staff and patrons for their contributions to the establishment. "We’re incredibly grateful for the people who worked alongside us, supported us, celebrated with us, and brought so much life and joy into this space," the post read. No specific reason for the closure was provided, and a representative declined to comment further when contacted.
The news of the closure has drawn reactions from the public and other local businesses. Some social media commenters expressed concern about the state of West Hollywood's nightlife and restaurant scene, with one calling it a "death spiral." Recent high-profile closures in the city include The Belmont bar, Electric Owl, and Connie & Ted’s.
Representatives from the nearby restaurant Craig’s suggested that city policies, including an ordinance mandating a minimum wage of $20.25 per hour for non-hotel employees and $20.87 for hotel employees, contribute to the challenges faced by businesses. These wages, they stated, lead to higher payroll taxes and insurance costs.
