Today we’d like to introduce you to Dimitri Komarov.
Dimitri, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
We started 1933 Group in 1999 with Big Foot Lodge in Atwater Village with the intention to revive the art of bartending and cultivate places for people to find respite from the rigors of life. Bobby Green (Co-owner/Designer), who approached us originally, wanted to build a bar so that he can entertain people on a nightly basis. Aside from that general idea, Dima Liberman (Co-owner) and I were drawn to his vision to build a place that felt like home- cozy, unassuming, and genuine. We now have nine bars across Los Angeles that span different aesthetics and ambiances that embrace that concept, including Harlowe in West Hollywood, Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood, La Cuevita in Highland Park, Bigfoot Lodge in Atwater Village, Thirsty Crow in Silver Lake, and Culver City’s Bigfoot West and Oldfield’s.
Our two most recent locations are historical preservations. Idle Hour in North Hollywood is a restoration of an official Los Angeles landmark and one of the city’s last remaining novelty buildings–a tall-standing cedar barrel-shaped structure that originated in 1942. While Highland Park Bowl, established in 1927 in Highland Park underwent an extensive restoration to be revealed as the oldest operating bowling all in Los Angeles.
Has it been a smooth road?
Throughout the years, we’ve found that the biggest struggle is learning and dealing with the requirements of the city in regards to codes, licensing, and otherwise. And with that, the building of a bar and the technicalities that go into that process. Also, every time we begin to conceptualize a new establishment, we take thoughtful care into making sure we’re doing the right thing for whatever neighborhood we’re building in. While this isn’t necessarily a struggle, it’s a huge thing to consider how to embrace a community and make an impact without feeling like we’re “intruding.”
In regards to Highland Park Bowl, the sheer size of the space was our first barrier, and making it a cohesive space considering the spacial layout. Also, we wanted to carefully restore it to its original glory while balancing the modern needs of our customers (i.e. mechanical scoring systems opposed to antique hand-scoring). Coming up with a solution to leave the integrity of the design was both challenging and exciting. For instance, leaving the original lanes and (some of) the fixtures took a lot of craftsmanship- i.e. crafting bumpers into the older lanes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Highland Park Bowl – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
1933 Group is known for its unique bar designs that are playful and welcoming. With each bar, we create an environment that welcomes people to release their worries, be among friends, and have a memorable time. For us, bars are a fixture in people’s celebrations and relaxation, and it’s important to us to put those things first when we create.
I think what sets us apart is our authenticity and customer service in the environments we create. Our attention to detail within our design is genuine by the choices we make in the building process. Most of the elements that go into our bars are sourced from salvage yards and vintage markets, giving things a second life. So, rather than producing something to “look old” we repurpose and reuse so that when you walk in, there is an inherent soul already there through the decor.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Love that LA is culturally as cosmopolitan as other huge cities across the world. Our food scene is diverse and thriving, our museums are active and rich, our entertainment is unmatched. But because the city is so sprawled out, the level of comfort is different. You can be among the hustle and bustle one minute and in a quiet lush neighborhood the next. Also, the weather is year-round unbeatable.
The one big fault is that it’s difficult to move about due to how sprawled it is. And without a comprehensive public transportation system, commute times don’t leave room for experiencing a lot in one day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5621 N. Figueroa Street
Highland Park, CA - Website: www.highlandparkbowl.com
- Phone: (323) 257-2695
- Instagram: @highlandparkbowl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandparkbowl
- Other: www.1933Group.com
Image Credit:
All attributions are within the file names. Otherwise, photo cred belongs to William Bradford (portrait), Wonho Frank Lee (empty interior images) and Danielle Bernabe (action shots)
