(Credit: Jesse Mergenthaler)
In the last four years, their Sunset Strip space that most recently housed Privilege, for example, has been a Gothic playground, a Nordic lounge and a mock construction site. It’s also been draped in black lace and decorated like a beach resort—and those are just the incarnations I can remember. Naturally, the venue, which shut its doors on Sept. 29, won't be closed for long. But what it will come back as is a mystery.
When people talk about SBE and BBP, they always name-drop Sam Nazarian, who's been profiled in the New Yorker (hello!), and his partner Brent Bolthouse, who’s often seen on "The Hills." The duo even had cameos on "Entourage."
But what about the wizard behind the scenes: Costas Charalambous? Talk to any A-list promoter and he'll tell you that Charalambous is the brains behind the brawn. So, with SBE’s latest venture S Bar, we thought we'd take a moment to shine the spotlight on CC.
Take it away, Costas.
I know the details about S Bar are still on the DL. Can you reveal anything?
S Bar will not be promoter driven like some of the other SBE venues. It will not serve food, although Katsuya is right next door for people who want to eat. The look is very unique, and very beautiful. It’s rich and elaborate, yet very comfortable, [like] an urban art gallery.
That’s all I can get out of you?
With S Bar, you will have the upscale neighborhood-accessible bar with the SBE twist.
What’s a typical day like for you?
It starts early and ends late. For us to open at night and have it be a success, lots of organizing and planning takes place for weeks in advance. It’s like the theater—you open up the curtain and everything looks great, but behind the curtain there is a lot of work going on.
What’s the secret to the longevity of these venues?
We care about our clientele and keep things fresh. It’s all about the customers, personalized attention and great service. We keep our standards high.
I read something about an elaborate computer system where you keep track of your patrons’ favorite drinks.
We just treat everyone like VIPs from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave.
How do you think SBE has changed L.A.’s nightlife culture?
SBE has raised the bar in terms of service, design and quality. We position ourselves as the customer and change what we don’t like. We listen to the needs of our customers and pay attention to feedback.
Do you have any tips for getting past the velvet rope?
Dress to impress. Have self-esteem and confidence.
Tell that to Tara Reid. Remember how she freaked out when she couldn’t get into Hyde?
Alexandra Le Tellier is bars & clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
