A brand new yet-to-be-named cocktail bar is getting ready to make its debut later this year in Los Feliz at 1966 Hillhurst Avenue.
The new cocktail bar will move into the former home of Nossa Caipirinha Bar, according to Eater Los Angeles. This is the latest from Park Hospitality, led by Michael Francesconi and Matthew Glaser, along with Shawn Lickliter, the former director of bar operations at the Manzke group, and Republique’s former lead bartender, Vay Su. This is the first time Francesconi and Glaser have partnered with others for an opening. The new concept is set to open around Labor Day in September 2025. Customers can expect cocktails, wine, and beer alongside a menu of hot and cold bar bites. California’s micro-seasonal produce will influence the drink’s design, and wines will come from across California and Europe.
Glaser met his Francesconi during their first year at the University of Southern California. Both had experience in the service industry before pursuing separate careers—Francesconi in technology and Glaser in entrepreneurship. They remained friends and started a business recycling grease from restaurants in Los Angeles while hosting parties in Downtown L.A. In 2013, they opened their first hospitality venture, Wolf & Crane, a Japanese whisky and cocktail bar in Little Tokyo. Lowboy followed this in Echo Park in 2019, where they introduced their first food program, along with Bar Flores, a Mexican-inspired bar. In 2023, they launched Donna’s, an Italian-American restaurant. Their establishments are designed to create inviting spaces within their neighborhoods. By sharing kitchens and resources, they reduce costs and enhance service.
“Proprietors and longtime Los Angeles residents Michael Francesconi and Matthew Glaser started Wolf & Crane in Little Tokyo as a third place for the community in 2013,” according to the company’s website. “After falling in love with the community and the success with Wolf and Crane, Matt and Michael wanted to expand this neighborhood hospitality vision to another charming LA area, in Echo Park, where they built Lowboy, Bar Flores, and our latest restaurant concept. Drawing inspiration from the community around us, we build neighborhood institutions that stand the test of time and feel like home. We set out to be different than most hospitality groups by serving the residents of the communities that we’re building our cozy neighborhood spaces in. We create spaces where folks can feel at home without being at home and know they’re going to have an excellent service experience. We want you to feel at home in our spaces. At Park Hospitality, everything we do is centered around our community, so you can feel comfortable while we serve you the best.”
