Hidden Gems: Meet Alfonso Diaz of Lounge 51

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfonso Diaz

Hi Alfonso, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in the restaurant industry began as a cook, and I quickly worked my way up to leadership positions, eventually becoming an assistant general manager overseeing multiple restaurants in the San Fernando Valley. When the opportunity to open my own business came along, I knew it was time to bring my vision to life.

One of the things I love most about this journey is how it’s allowed me to reconnect with the community I grew up in. I went to Portola Middle School and Taft High School, (class of 2011) both very close to Tarzana, where Lounge 51 is located. It’s incredibly fulfilling to work with local breweries and other businesses, building relationships that strengthen the community that shaped me. With the help of my family and the amazing support of our neighbors, Lounge 51 has been thriving for the past year.

ever since opening, i became a member of the west valley chamber of commerce, my goal is to continue giving back to the community.

special thanks for my mom, dad and sister, i would not be able to do what I’m doing without them, and of course, to my beautiful and super supportive fiancé, this huge sacrifice will be worth it one day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
like any new business, we faced our share of obstacles in the beginning. One of the biggest challenges was getting the word out and attracting new customers. Building awareness takes time, and it was tough not to let the slower periods shake my confidence.
it also created stress in my personal relationships, our business ours are usually 12pm-10pm, i would come in at 10am and leave at around 10:45pm every night, most of the time i spent with my fiancé was here at the lounge

As you know, we’re big fans of Lounge 51. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’ll start by explaining how my fiancé and i love to discover new breweries, restaurants of bars in our area, we love the “chill, laid back” spots, my vision is to bring center of entertainment to Tarzana, we do themed weekly trivia every Tuesday (we’ve had marvel, sports, and a beer themed trivia) Karaoke every Thursday night, we work with a lot of local bands amd we offer live music every Friday and Saturday nights,(everything from 80s music to more alternative rock) I’ve also hosted rehearsals for a local music school.

Apart from the entertainment side of things, our chicken wings are becoming a local’s favorite, our most sold items are wings, pizzas and burgers, all pizzas are hand tossed and baked to perfection, our burgers are hand crafted using the highest quality ingredients. some of the items im most proud of are of course our chicken wings, (buffalo and lemon pepper being the two most popular) our 51 cheeseburger, our extravaganza pizza (Mozzarella, pepperoni, salami, ham, bell pepper and purple onion.) and our “Tapatia pizza” (mozzarella, ham, cilantro, jalapenos, purple onion and sausage.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
find someone that has a passion for the industry, whatever that industry may be, balance is also very important, a good mentor will be able to guide you on how to find balance between any project you might be working on, and other aspects of your personal life.

Pricing:

• extravaganza pizza 12inch, $16
• 51 cheeseburger w/ fries $14
• Tapatia pizza $15
• 10-piece wings $16
• 6-piece wings $11

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lounge51la.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lounge51la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553077299483
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lounge-51-tarzana?osq=lounge+51

Image Credits
all credit to Lounge 51