Blue Palms Brewhouse Faces Closure

An update from Frances on the suddenly announced, pending closure of Blue Palms Brewhouse in Hollywood, CA. **indicates updated news, see bottom of post**

The craft beer community was in a tizzy this weekend as many caught wind of devastating news that shocked both beer and music fans alike. The Music Box in Hollywood had lost their lease resulting in an immediate eviction from building owners. With their lease becoming null and void, beloved Hollywood brew house Blue Palms was also affected by this closure as they were under a sub-lease with the popular music venue. Blue Palms Brewhouse remained open through the weekend and prepared loyal patrons and Facebook fans of their impending closure as it remained uncertain what the fate of the craft beer haven would be. **

As someone who has grown up in the Hollywood area for over two decades, I can’t tell you how huge of a loss this is to the neighborhood. Blue Palms has achieved more in their three-some-odd years than many of the long-standing bars in the area by bringing great craft beer and equally great food to a part of Hollywood otherwise saturated with tourist-traps and elitist nightclubs. From their awesome anniversary beer gardens, being a part of ColLAboration, to their unique and well-organized tasting events and $4 pint nights, if there
was ever to be a bar in Hollywood that would put Cheers to shame, Blue Palms is it. The amount of community, dedication, and camraderie is truly unsurpassed.

The Music Box, which is housed in the historic Henry Fonda Theatre, seemed to have shut their doors without any warning leaving behind perplexed fans and concerned concert promoters. While there are mixed reports coming from various sources as to whether this closure is only temporary, for the beer community, the question of what will happen to Blue Palms remains. Reports all over Facebook and Twitter all seemed to resonate the same message this weekend, highlighting the significance of this down-to-earth watering hole and the indefatigable support behind the local establishment that has played such an integral part to the evolution of L.A’s craft beer scene.

Co-owner Brian Lenzo is said to be working on finding a solution for this situation, even going so far as to say that if Blue Palms needs to move, then they’ll be hunting for a new space. However, realistically, the search for
a replacement space could take months, even a full year; especially if Lenzo and company are looking specifically for Hollywood real estate. While there is no telling what the future may hold, one thing is for certain: Blue Palms, wherever you go, we shall definitely follow.

**UPDATE: 1/9/2012 at 8:49 a.m: As of late last night, it seems that the attorney and the landlords of the building that houses Blue Palms were impressed by the outpouring of community support. As mentioned by one of our BP pals Matthew Olesh via Twitter, Blue Palms has been given a three-day extension and will be open for business until Wednesday night until a viable solution can be reached. Looks like I’ll be able to have my birthday beers at my local pub tomorrow after all...**

Stay tuned for further developments here on TFP and be sure to follow @BluePalms_Brew.