Trocadero (Los Angeles) facts for kids
The Cafe Trocadero was a very fancy nightclub that opened in 1934. It was located on the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Right away, it became a popular spot where Hollywood movie stars loved to go. They wanted to be seen there!
Pictures of stars at the "Troc" would often appear in The Hollywood Reporter newspaper the very next day. This was because both the Cafe Trocadero and the newspaper were owned by William R. Wilkerson.
This club was a "supper club," which meant people could eat dinner and watch shows. It had a fancy French style and was at 8610 Sunset Boulevard. It quickly became one of the most famous nightclubs in the world.
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Changes in Management
In May 1938, William Wilkerson sold the Cafe Trocadero. The new owner was Nola Hahn. She also owned another club called Club Continental.
However, within a year, the Cafe Trocadero had a new manager, Felix Young. He was involved in a disagreement about the building's lease. Because of this, he suddenly closed the nightclub in October 1939. Soon after, the club faced financial problems.
The club briefly opened again later that year. It was called The Trocadero then. It even hosted the big party for the Hollywood premiere of the movie Gone with the Wind in December 1939. But by May 1940, the new owners were out of business. The club's furniture and items were sold off.
William Wilkerson, the original owner, later opened other famous clubs on the Strip. These included Ciro's nightclub and LaRue Restaurant. He also started building the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel. But he lost control of it to another person before it was finished in 1946.
The Trocadero continued to have different managers over the years. One of them was a composer and businessman named Turk Prujan. Many advertisements for the Trocadero would say "Turk Prujan Presents..." followed by the name of a musical artist performing there.
The Little Trocadero Opens
In January 1942, a few weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Felix Young opened a smaller club. It was called the Little Troc. This new club was about six blocks west of the original Cafe Trocadero. It was located at 9236 Sunset Blvd.
The very first performer at the Little Troc was a singer named Lena Horne. She was not well-known at the time. But her shows sold out every night! This made her an instant star in Hollywood. Her success led to performances at Mocambo, another famous club, and a movie contract.
Eddie LeBaron's Trocadero
In August 1943, a bandleader named Eddie LeBaron and his brother Albert Gastine opened a new club. It was at the original 8610 Sunset location. They called it Eddie LeBaron's Trocadero. This club became famous for its jitterbugging dance contests.
The Final Years
After World War II, the Trocadero had many different owners and managers. It finally closed its doors for good in 1947.
Today, a shopping center stands where the famous Cafe Trocadero used to be.
Famous Visitors
Many famous people loved to visit the Trocadero. Some of these celebrities included Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Jackie Gleason, Henry Fonda, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Jean Harlow, and Norma Shearer.
Actress and comedian Thelma Todd was at a party at the Trocadero shortly before she passed away in December 1935. It was one of the last times she was seen.
Ted Healy was also seen at the Trocadero shortly before he passed away. He had been in an incident and became unwell, passing away hours later.
Sunset Trocadero Today
The building that once held the Cafe Trocadero was taken down a long time ago. The land was empty until 2013. Then, a new fancy building with stores was built there.
Today, a different nightclub called Sunset Trocadero operates at 8280 Sunset Boulevard. This is about four blocks east of where the original Cafe Trocadero used to be. A former NFL football player, Domata Peko, bought it. His wife, Anna Peko, runs the club. In 2022, Domata even hosted a Super Bowl watch party there for fans of his old team, the Cincinnati Bengals.
