When most people think of the Brown Derby restaurant, they either think of the original one shaped like a hat or the one in Hollywood on Vine Street. But there was also one on the prime corner of Wilshire Blvd and Rodeo Dr. Opening in 1931, it was popular with the Beverly Hills crowd, especially on Thursday nights which was the traditional maid’s night off. According to a Vanity Fair article I read, in 1958 a Christmas dinner at the Beverly Hills Brown Derby cost $3.85, or around $35 in current dollars, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. This photo was taken in 1966 and the place until 1982—a pretty good run, don’t you think?
The Brown Derby Restaurant in Beverly Hills was a huge part of my life . My father was the manager of the Beverly Hills Brown Derby. He was friends of many people in the entertainment industry and the Sports community. Tommy Lasordy and Walter O’Mally. Including Vin Scully. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium was being built. My father was in charge of the two gourmet restaurants on the third level first base are and third base restaurants. As Dodger Stadium was being built I would drive the golf cart back and forth between the two restaurants. Vin Scully would invite me into the broadcast booth. Five family members worked in some capacity at Dodger Stadium. Everyone was treated like family. Thank you to the O’Malley family!
My Dad returned to the Brown Derby and finished his career years later. The LA Dodgers allowed me and my Father to spend time together. He worked six days a week at the Derby. When he worked for the O’Mally’s he worked a lot more hours but I was able to spend time at the stadium with him. Btw, the first time I met Vin Scully and my Dad introduced me. Vinny said “Welcome to Dodger Stadium” I will never forget it!
When most people think of the Brown Derby restaurant, they either think of the original one shaped like a hat or the one in Hollywood on Vine Street. But there was also one on the prime corner of Wilshire Blvd and Rodeo Dr. Opening in 1931, it was popular with the Beverly Hills crowd, especially on Thursday nights which was the traditional maid’s night off. According to a Vanity Fair article I read, in 1958 a Christmas dinner at the Beverly Hills Brown Derby cost $3.85, or around $35 in current dollars, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. This photo was taken in 1966 and the place until 1982—a pretty good run, don’t you think?
The Brown Derby Restaurant in Beverly Hills was a huge part of my life . My father was the manager of the Beverly Hills Brown Derby. He was friends of many people in the entertainment industry and the Sports community. Tommy Lasordy and Walter O’Mally. Including Vin Scully. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium was being built. My father was in charge of the two gourmet restaurants on the third level first base are and third base restaurants. As Dodger Stadium was being built I would drive the golf cart back and forth between the two restaurants. Vin Scully would invite me into the broadcast booth. Five family members worked in some capacity at Dodger Stadium. Everyone was treated like family. Thank you to the O’Malley family!
My Dad returned to the Brown Derby and finished his career years later. The LA Dodgers allowed me and my Father to spend time together. He worked six days a week at the Derby. When he worked for the O’Mally’s he worked a lot more hours but I was able to spend time at the stadium with him. Btw, the first time I met Vin Scully and my Dad introduced me. Vinny said “Welcome to Dodger Stadium” I will never forget it!
Hey Craig, thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories with us!