Adolph 'Eddie' Brandstatter | |
|---|---|
 Eddie Brandstatter in 1927 | |
| Born | 1886 |
| Died | January 20, 1940 (aged 54) |
| Other names | Host of Hollywood |
| Occupation | Restaurateur |
| Known for | Montmartre Cafe Embassy Club Sardi's Hollywood |
Adolph 'Eddie' Brandstatter was the first restaurateur in Hollywood, California. [1] He owned and managed several establishments in the neighborhood's early years and was known as the Host of Hollywood. [2]
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. [2]
In 1920, Brandstatter was the manager and joint owner of the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California. [3]
In 1923, Brandstatter built and opened the Montmartre Cafe in Hollywood. The establishment, which cost $150,000 ($2.77 million in 2024) to open, was popular amongst members of the film industry and earned the moniker "the center of Hollywood life." [2] 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. [4]
Brandstatter declared bankruptcy in 1932, at which point he sold his establishments. He was also convicted of grand theft of $3000 ($69,139 in 2024) worth of furnishings from C. E. Toberman, although Brandstatter was only given two years' probation after he returned the property that was stolen. [2] [3]
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. [5] Brandstatter and Covey also owned Lindy's in central Los Angeles during this time. [6]
Brandstatter's last venture was opening and operating Bohemian Grill on Vine Street. [2]
Brandstatter was married to a woman named Helen, and on January 20, 1940, at age 54, he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his home garage. Helen found his body. [2]
