A massive sign from Stephen Colbert's former "Late Show" program has found a new home on the West Coast.
Jeff Douek, owner of WeHo Bistro in West Hollywood, California, acquired the 12-foot, colorful sign for $102,100 at an auction last month. The sale was part of Colbert's "Everything Must Go!" clearance event, with proceeds benefiting chef José Andrés' charity World Central Kitchen.
The sign, which previously illuminated the "Late Show" set at the Ed Sullivan Theater, was initially placed on WeHo Bistro's rooftop before being moved to an exterior wall on July 15, according to the restaurant. Douek expressed his honor in welcoming the "special piece of late-night television history" to his establishment.
Douek, a self-proclaimed fan of Colbert's work, including "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart, stated that these programs helped him process world events. "They digested the crazy world around us, and it made me sleep better because instead of listening to the news, I could laugh about it," Douek told CBS Los Angeles. "And so he changed my life."
In addition to the sign, the restaurant has also displayed posters featuring some of the notable guests who appeared on "The Late Show." Transporting the sign proved challenging due to its size, requiring special arrangements for its journey of over 2,700 miles to California.
Douek aims to share the sign and the "magic" of the guests interviewed under it with his patrons, staff, and the wider community.