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]
Early life
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 1923, Brandstatter built and opened Montmartre Cafe in Hollywood. The establishment, which cost $150,000 ($2.68 million in 2023) 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 meant for film stars who wanted to avoid the Cafe Montmartre crowds.[4]
Brandstatter declared bankruptcy in 1932, at which point he sold his establishments. He was also convicted of grand theft of $3000 ($66,995 in 2023) 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 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]
