Mark Cuban, Andrew Friedman Back New Star-Studded LA Sports Bar
Pawn Shop aims to be more than just a place to watch games, offering high-end dining and a celebrity-filled clientele.
Pawn Shop, a new restaurant and sports bar in Los Angeles, has attracted significant attention from notable figures in the sports and business worlds, including billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban and Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
The establishment, located in an 8,500-square-foot former pawn shop, features over 60 televisions, two large media walls, private suites, and a menu curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina. Offerings include a wagyu hot dog, beef tallow fries, chicken liver mousse, caviar, and charbroiled Maine oysters.
Beyond Cuban and Friedman, Pawn Shop has drawn interest from other athletes and celebrities. Los Angeles Rams player Aaron Donald has discussed investing with his wife, Erica. Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will have his Tequila Providencia featured at the bar, and Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila is also available.
Founder and CEO Diego Torres-Palma noted that former NBA player Chandler Parsons visits weekly, and sportscaster Rich Eisen hosted his fantasy football draft at the venue. The entire LAFC team also held their draft there, and actor Anthony Ramos has been a frequent visitor.
Pawn Shop's opening coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which provided an immediate boost in traffic and atmosphere. Torres-Palma described the initial period as akin to hosting a wedding every few days, with large crowds watching events collectively.
Torres-Palma aims to "monetize moments," creating memorable experiences for patrons. The venue allows customers to request specific games and route them to nearby televisions, with the sound on. This approach aims to fill a niche between local dive bars and the full stadium experience.
Looking ahead, Pawn Shop plans to introduce original digital programming featuring athletes and Chef Messina, themed nights like "Sinatra Tuesdays," and outdoor movie nights. The venue is also preparing for events surrounding the Super Bowl in February and has plans for expansion, with Las Vegas being a potential next location.
Torres-Palma believes the establishment's success hinges on providing a space where memorable events, from major sporting outcomes to chance celebrity encounters, can occur, creating stories for patrons to share.