Formosa Cafe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Formosa Cafe |
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|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1925 |
| State | California |
| Country | United States |
The Formosa Cafe is a famous restaurant and bar in West Hollywood, California. It first opened its doors in 1925. You can find it at 7156 Santa Monica Boulevard.
This special place is known for its long history. It has been a favorite spot for many people, including movie stars, for nearly 100 years.
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A Look Back at Formosa Cafe's History
The Formosa Cafe was started in 1925 by a former prize-fighter named Jimmy Bernstein. He first set up his restaurant inside an old "Red Car" trolley. This trolley was a type of electric train car. It was located right next to a big movie studio lot.
In 1945, a man named Lem Quon joined Bernstein as a partner. Lem Quon later took full ownership of the cafe in 1976. The restaurant stayed in the family for a long time. Lem Quon's grandson, Vince Jung, even managed it.
Many people worked at the Formosa Cafe for a very long time. For example, Lindy Bremerton was a bartender there for almost 50 years! Waitress Mary Kay Moore worked for over 40 years. Bartender Nick Pappas worked for over 30 years, and Catherine (Cass) Marples for over 25 years.
Where Movie Stars Dine
The Formosa Cafe has always been popular with movie stars. This is because it is very close to a major movie studio. This studio was first called the United Artists lot. Later, it was owned by Warner Bros..
Many famous actors have eaten meals at the Formosa. These include stars like Humphrey Bogart, David Janssen, and Clark Gable. Even Frank Sinatra spent many nights there in the 1950s.
Saving a Landmark
In 1991, the Formosa Cafe was almost torn down. Its rental agreement was ending. There were plans to build a new shopping center in the area. But many people from the community and groups that protect old buildings worked together. They wanted to save the restaurant.
Because of their efforts, the Formosa Cafe was saved! It was recognized as an important landmark. This meant it could stay in its original spot.
The food at Formosa Cafe has a lot of Chinese flavors. Some dishes include Beijing Chicken and Mongolian beef. They also serve interesting sides like wasabi mashed potatoes. You can find vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms, and pork belly skewers. Even a special Formosa Caesar salad is on the menu. Celebrities continued to visit the cafe throughout its history.
Changes and Reopening
In 2004, a large shopping mall called the West Hollywood Gateway was built next to the Formosa Cafe. The mall made the historic restaurant look quite small in comparison.
In 2015, the inside of the restaurant was changed. The old red-and-black style from the 1940s was removed. A more "modern" look was put in. Many customers missed the old, classic feel of the place. Because of this, much of the original interior was later rebuilt.
However, the Formosa Cafe closed suddenly in late 2016. It was closed for a while. In June 2017, it was announced that a new company, the 1933 Group, would reopen the cafe.
As of July 2021, the Formosa Cafe is open again. You can visit for drinks and to enjoy its famous food once more.
