The Edison Lounge in downtown Los Angeles is an incredible trip to another era. Built in 1910, it was the first power plant in LA. The current owners Andrew Meieran and Marc Smith purchased the dilapidated building and resurrected it into a stunning combination of architecture, invention and history.
The owners retained the industrial feel of the building with original brick walls, cement floors, and a collection of the old generator machinery. Modern leather furniture, area rugs and glossy wood trim warms up the decor, which is softly lit by retro-styled lighting throughout.
The Edison's website is also something to experience. By clicking on a blueprint of the building, you access images of the lounge's many intriguing areas. A complete menu is also an interesting online read, with items like 'Electric Calamari,' 'Boiler Room' sandwiches and sharing platters of all kinds.
Libations such as 'Tesla's Revenge,' 'Mistress' are also featured on the menu, and during the Wednesday evening Lucent Dossier performances, absinthe is served in the traditional fountain manner.
What's Driving This Trend
- Industrial-chic Bars
- There is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to take old industrial buildings and transform them into uniquely designed bars and lounges.
- Historical Theme Restaurants
- Entrepreneurs can create restaurants around historical themes, using old buildings and serving menu items inspired by the era.
- Interactive Menus
- Innovative restaurateurs can create interactive menus like The Edison's, providing additional images and interesting information about the restaurant's decor and history.
Who This Affects Most
- Hospitality Industry
- The hospitality industry can benefit from the trend of repurposing old industrial buildings and creating themed restaurants.
- Entertainment Industry
- The entertainment industry can benefit from the trend of incorporating live performances, like Lucent Dossier at The Edison, into the bar and restaurant experience.
- Web Design Industry
- The trend of interactive menus like The Edison's offers opportunities for web designers to create unique online experiences for restaurants and bars.
