Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Chloe & Tyler Makhani
Hi Brandon Chloe & Tyler, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Makhani family has long been a driving force in Los Angeles, known for their blend of innovation, luxury, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Building on a foundation in real estate, siblings Brandon, Chloe, and Tyler Makhani have elevated their family legacy by founding Avondale Equities, a premier real estate and hospitality firm focused on developing exceptional properties across Los Angeles.
Their latest venture, Casalena LA, marks the family’s exciting entrance into the hospitality world, redefining dining, socializing, and luxury experiences in the greater Los Angeles area.
At Avondale Equities, the mission is clear: to create spaces that are not only luxurious but also warm, welcoming, and memorable for guests, customers, and communities alike. With each new project, the family works to exceed expectations and takes pride in being a leader in both commercial real estate and hospitality in Los Angeles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Regarding our personalities, all three of us possess a streak of perfectionism, each in our own unique way. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of this journey has been coming to terms with the notion that perfection is rare in the hospitality industry. Instead, our goals have shifted towards identifying areas for improvement and promptly and efficiently solving problems. In this ever-evolving industry, it’s essential not to let the highs become too high or the lows too low. Maintaining composure and unwavering focus is the key to achieving both success and longevity.
Collaborating with Brandon and Tyler has been an extraordinary experience in my life. We genuinely care for each other deeply, and I believe we’ve always been the closest of friends who wholeheartedly savor each other’s company. As Tyler often puts it, we’re simply “homies”. We cherish our time together, and curiously enough, we tend to be in sync. On those rare occasions when we’re not aligned, we defer to the individual who feels most passionately about a specific decision, even when it concerns minor details.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The property holds immense family significance for us. Our father constructed the original restaurant back in 1982, transforming what was once a small neighborhood Steakhouse known as Eckberg’s. He purchased it from Mr. and Mrs. Eckberg, and through his vision, the property evolved into its first incarnation, a fine dining French restaurant called Lautrec.
In terms of family ties, our parents exchanged vows there in 1990, and over the years, several other family members, including uncles, aunts, and cousins, have chosen this very location for their own weddings. For approximately 20 years, we made it a tradition to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving in the private events space upstairs!
The building has truly become a second home to our family, and it has also played a pivotal role in the lives of various other families of the neighborhood who have marked their significant events and milestones within its walls.
During the pandemic, the three of us were having a conversation regarding the Avondale portfolio when Brandon looked at me and said, “Okay, let’s choose one of the properties, and bring our unique vision to life there.” The Casalena property was an easy choice to be a canvas of our vision. Collectively, we were convinced that our profound family history and connection to this property, combined with the resounding demand expressed by the community, would create a profound impact. We believed that there were many who stood to benefit from the boundless love and passion we were dedicated to infuse into the Casaléna brand.
The inspiration behind Casalena draws from a multitude of sources. Some of it stems from nostalgia for our family, while other aspects are rooted in contemporary concepts. Much of our perspective derives from our admiration for elements we’ve encountered in the world of hospitality during our travels. We were driven by a desire to create a lifestyle brand within the walls of a restaurant, one that could offer a respite from the daily grind. In a world that can often be demanding, we aimed to fashion an oasis where the people of Los Angeles and the West Valley could regularly escape and truly feel transported. Casaléna possesses the power to make you forget about everyday issues and immerse you in the ambiance of a coastal European retreat.
Describe the space – including sq feet and how many diners the restaurant can sit – and how you went about transforming it. It must have taken some time – yes? A year? More than a million dollars? Whatever you can give here.
Our 8,000 sq ft space has 250 seats. With a spectacularly large footprint, we have a variety of distinctive rooms which makes the restaurant suitable for all kinds of experiences. From cozy intimate dinners and significant family milestones to corporate events and lavish celebrations, our adaptable spaces cater to every need, accommodating gatherings from 10 to 600 guests.
We identified various elements within the space that resonated with European resort culture. Examples include the sunken Garden patio, reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera, as well as the residential architecture, evoking images of Tuscany and the French Wine Country. These elements served as the foundation for our brand’s vision, a vision that we meticulously refined through various design elements, collateral pieces, and branding concepts, including artwork by luminaries such as Slim Aarons and Bert Hardy, and the contemporary works of Sage Willows, whose art greets you as soon as you enter.
The realization of this significant renovation was a labor of love that unfolded over time. We dedicated nearly a year to the build-out, but the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. During this extended period, we poured extra attention into the often-overlooked details. Each aspect of the space bears the imprint of all three of us, reflecting the elements that were individually important to each.
Lighting is so important in a restaurant yet so few have terrific lighting that feels relaxing and sexy – yet you can still read the menu. How did you go about lighting at Casalena – it is spot on!
Casalena, a name that symbolizes both the “House of Light” and “Lena’s house,” embodies our unwavering commitment properly illuminating every facet of the restaurant. Light fixtures are abundant, embodying the essence of a true “house of light.” The lighting gracefully transitions as you move throughout the space.
Our family collectively believes that lighting and landscaping are often the most underestimated elements of design in any property. These details imbue a sense of warmth and personality that is truly invaluable. Many of the light fixtures in the property were meticulously designed, crafted, and assembled as custom pieces. In our perspective, even a multi-million-dollar home can feel empty and lifeless without the proper attention to lighting and landscaping.
The concept of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine embraces a diverse range of culinary traditions from Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. These regions and their traditional flavors immediately embodied the essence of the brand and the overarching vision we sought to realize within our space. They radiate the spirit of carefree living, and our ultimate goal is to transport our guests to an atmosphere that offers an escape from the ordinary and the mundane aspects of daily life.
The three of us held a very clear and specific vision for the menu. Collaborating with Chef Lobo Leon was a fantastic experience because he had the ability to refine and elevate our ideas, eliminating what was unnecessary while adding items that would resonate with our discerning clientele. The creation of a menu for our high-volume operation was a complex undertaking, as we had to ensure that we had a diverse array of options to cater to each type of customer.
It is a challenge to get people from the east Valley – which has a plethora of good eateries and is considered a chic place to dine – to Woodland Hills (not a lot of upscale restaurant’s and not a chic place to dine – at least along the Blvd). How are you going about changing this perception? Did you guys discuss and make a plan? Or are you like – who cares? We have enough people from the west valley who will support it.
Our overarching philosophy, both within our parent company, Avondale Equities, and at Casalena, revolves around making a meaningful impact and transforming the markets and neighborhoods we enter. We approach this with a resident’s perspective, considering what we would desire if we lived in that area and how we can enhance the daily lives of the locality. Many West Valley residents used to frequently commute to the city for a vibrant dining experience, but now they have a local option. We listened attentively to their thoughts and comments over the years, which proved to be the most valuable feedback in developing the Casaléna brand. What’s intriguing is that since we opened our doors, people from Central LA have been flocking to experience our space and support us. I believe this underscores the uniqueness of Casalena, not just in the West Valley but throughout Los Angeles.
This journey has been one of the most extraordinary and overwhelming experiences for the three of us. We are deeply humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and support that we have received. The love and dedication we poured into this space have been returned to us twofold, and we wholeheartedly acknowledge it.
Our initial aspiration was to create a destination and lifestyle brand for the West Valley, but it has become so much more than that. There have been countless early mornings and late nights, and witnessing the fruits of our labor has been a once-in-a-lifetime moment for each of us. We were so immersed in the process of bringing our vision to life that we didn’t fully grasp what it could become.
We now seat approximately 500 to 750 guests each night, and our phone hasn’t stopped ringing. What truly touches me are the moments when people mention “Casalena” with excitement, expressing their eagerness to visit. In such a short span of time, we have made a significant impact on Los Angeles and the West Valley, and it’s an incredibly gratifying feeling.
One realization that has struck me is that nothing that appears glamorous was as glamorous at inception. It required an immense amount of hard work and dedication. we poured so much of ourselves into every detail. We invested our hearts and souls into this concept and this space, and I believe it shines through. Every brick, every flower, every element has a story. We operate as a family, welcoming guests of all kinds, from large parties to intimate tables for two, and even those seeking a solitary moment at the bar with a beer.
A huge shout out to our staff who has played an instrumental role in achieving various goals throughout the operation. Our family has worked tirelessly throughout this operations ideation and eventual realization, but we couldn’t have done it without the dedication and hard work of our team. They have enabled us to reach various milestones and for that we are incredibly grateful.
In this era dominated by Instagram and the allure of finished products, it’s easy to forget the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Life often consists of relentless effort to achieve those fleeting moments of satisfaction.
The three of us have also learned, and continue to remind ourselves that we still have a lot of room for improvement. In this industry you have to stay humble. Constantly seeking to improve, taking customer feedback sincerely, and being judicious in our approach is the only way to maintain success and keep our customers returning.
We have been exceptionally fortunate to have unwavering trust and support from our parents. They have been the pillars upon which we’ve built any accomplishments we’ve achieved to date. Their guidance and support have been invaluable…even when they didn’t see eye to eye with us on decisions we’ve made. Their unwavering support has meant the world to us. Growing up in the hospitality industry, this passion has been ingrained in us from the very beginning. Much of what we’ve learned about hospitality comes from Angel and John Makhani, two of the most hospitable individuals we’ve ever had the privilege to know.
Within the confines of our kitchen, our parents have consistently imparted a creative flair to each family dinner and every gathering at our dining table. They infused joy into the smallest of moments. We celebrated Taco Tuesdays, engaged in lively conversations over numerous cups of tea, and welcomed friends who eagerly anticipated tasting the latest nutritious masterpiece crafted by our mother. In a mere 20 minutes, an extravagant dinner would effortlessly materialize, adorned with opulent flavors and presented with impeccable grace.
Their pride in us is boundless; as my dad would put it, they are “ecstatic.”
Ages:
Chloe Makhani: 33
Brandon Makhani: 30
Tyler Makhani: 26
In terms of our upbringing, we were originally born off Sepulveda in the Mountain Gate Community, and later we grew up in Brentwood. However, Woodland Hills has always held a special place in our hearts as a second home. From a young age, we frequently spent our after-school hours in Woodland Hills at the restaurant (with the boys often causing a ruckus, running through the dining rooms, or sticking pizza dough on the ceilings). It also served as the backdrop for numerous significant family events. Now, we find ourselves spending the majority of our days here. The 818 area code truly feels like home, and we take immense pride in what we’ve built. Our vision is thriving, and this journey is just beginning.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
It’s simple: Los Angeles is our home, and we are deeply committed to shaping the city we love. As native Angelenos, we have a unique understanding of what makes this city vibrant — from its diverse neighborhoods to its dynamic culture — and we also recognize where it lacks the social spaces that truly bring people together. With this insight, we’re dedicated to creating and cultivating the destinations that the community craves. Our goal is to contribute to LA’s landscape in meaningful ways, enhancing its spirit and ensuring the spaces we build foster energy, creativity, and a sense of belonging for all who live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casalena.la
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casalena.la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casalena.la/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90663137/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_PNMs7vHshXrxmbL5YF3A
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/casaléna-woodland-hills
- Other: https://www.avondaleequities.com
