Although many stars populate the galaxy that is the Hollywood club scene, there are an elite that populate the center of this nightlife microcosm. Los Angeles' revolving cast of clubs, promoters, celebrities, DJs and bouncers all orbit around these figures, which is to say, these guys have serious power. Get to know the quartet of men who control the Hollywood universe from the Sun(set Strip) and beyond.
The King: Sam NazarianNazarian, 35, is the owner of SBE hospitality group and it's elite roster of L.A. venues including The Bazaar, Hyde Lounge and The Redbury. Nazarian recently acquired fellow nightlife impressario David Judaken's Syndicate Hospitality Group, giving him control over white-hot Eden, Crimson/Opera and MyStudio. SBE is also behind the west coast outlet of much beloved hot dog stand Papaya King, which will be attached to Nazarian's also new Sayers Club. Both are due to open any minute now in the former Nacional space.
"My drive is to be the best in the lifestyle space across all platforms," the industrious Nazarian recently told the Los Angeles Times. "We can be everything to everybody."
The Visionary: Dodd MitchellMitchell is the designer/developer behind some of Hollywood's chicest venues including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, MyHouse and Sushi Roku. He has been Hollywood's go to designer for nearly a decade, and his chic, minimalist sexy aesthetic has not yet gotten tired. We expect the same sleek appeal from Mitchell's latest endeavor, KEPT Hotels. Although Mitchell calls himself a perfectionist, he says his finished products make him "disgusted." "Never, ever in my entire career," he told 944 Magazine, "has [a project] turned out as good as it looked in my mind."
The Legend: Brent BolthouseBolthouse has been a major player in Hollywood since the late 80s when he was a promoter for The Viper Room and The Roxbury. Bolthouse climbed to club land's upper echelons by opening the legendary, (and now closed), Opium Den, and the ever-popular Avalon. Bolthouse, a one time SBE partner, helped open SBE venues including Hyde and Katsuya and now operates Bolthouse Productions. He's famous for being Heidi Montag's boss on "The Hills" and has also appeared, as himself, in several episodes of Entourage.
The New (ish) Guy: Jason ScoppaScoppa, formerly behind Hollywood's lavish Green Door, is now the force behind the A-list Bardot Sessions at Hollywood's eponymous sexy boho enclave. Scoppa, a Detroit native and former model, pulls in top shelf patrons and musical guests by making sure high profile guests feel safe and paparazzi protected while at at his club. He says he plans to develop more clubs, but told BlackBookMag.com that "honestly, I like to be on my sofa."