Dave Whitton

You have probably not heard of Dave Whitton.  But if you've been to Seven Grand ... Villains Tavern ... One Eyed Gypsy ... or, now, PrankBar, you have been subject to his hospitality.

Why did I ask him to be interviewed?  Because he has made a journey that is less common than you might expect - from bartender to bar owner.  And also, because he's funny and a great interview.

He started out like so many others - moving to LA to chase the dream.  And, even while making his way up the LA cocktail food chain, he continued to play in a band (the Eggshell Egoz - perhaps perfect for people in his profession...).  But, also like so many others, he ended up tending bar to make some money on the side.  And it turns out that not only was he really good at that, but he had a knack for the business side of things too.  So, after stints at Golden Gopher and Seven Grand (and being mentored by ELA podcast guest Cedd Moses), he got into the ownership game when he helped open Villains Tavern.  Then, finally, he opened his own place - PrankBar, his "indoor/outdoor bar" in South Park, just up the street from Staples Center.

So, we'll hear about that journey - which included early stops at places like Howl at the Moon and Islands (what? Yep.).  The trials and tribulations of deciding to open your own business.  How it's going now.  What keeps him up at night.  And we'll do it all while laughing a lot inside an ADA lift/photo booth at Prank....