Eddie Brandstatter
Adolph 'Eddie' Brandstatter was the first restaurateur in Hollywood, California. He owned and managed several establishments in the neighborhood's early years and was known as the Host of Hollywood.
Early life
Eddie Brandstatter was born in France in 1886. Prior to becoming a restaurateur, he worked in restaurants in Paris, London, and New York City. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1910s.Career
In 1920, Brandstatter was the manager and joint owner of the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California.In 1923, Brandstatter built and opened the Montmartre Cafe in Hollywood. The establishment, which cost $150,000 to open, was popular amongst members of the film industry and earned the moniker "the center of Hollywood life." Years later, Brandstatter opened Embassy Club in the Christie Realty Building next door. This establishment, a private club, was intended for film stars who sought to escape the crowds at Café Montmartre.
Brandstatter declared bankruptcy in 1932, at which point he sold his establishments. He was also convicted of grand theft of $3000 worth of furnishings from C. E. Toberman, although Brandstatter was only given two years' probation after he returned the property that was stolen.
Brandstatter opened the 24-hour Sardi's in 1933 and was later convicted of selling stimulants out of the restaurant. The restaurant, which Brandstatter co-owned with David Covey, was destroyed by fire in 1936. Brandstatter and Covey also owned Lindy's in central Los Angeles during this time.
Brandstatter's last venture was opening and operating Bohemian Grill on Vine Street.