Meet Dave Whitton of Prank Bar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Whitton.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Twenty years ago I moved to Los Angeles from Reno, Nevada and got my first bar job at a dueling piano bar called Howl at the Moon. That was the start of my bar journey and I have been blessed to have had a part in opening, and working at, some of the most iconic craft locations in LA from Seven Grand to Villains Tavern. I’ve also had the opportunity to concept some of my favorite bars including Dodger Stadium and Sunset Marquis. Throughout my career, I have created over 100 original cocktail menus for brands, bars, and competitions. Prank is a new adventure and one I’ve been lucky enough to do with two great friends, Tony Frere & Greg Schumann, and my brother and sister, Jaime and Jonny Whitton.

Has it been a smooth road?
This industry is very difficult, the highs and lows can be extreme from working doubles, struggling to make rent, and opening dream locations that get taken away from you. We are not a family or group that comes from money, so Prank really tested our spirits. Every time we have been dealt a bad hand we’ve barreled through it, dusted off, and figured out how to get there.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Prank is LA’s first walk up bar where you can literally walk up to the bar directly from the sidewalk, creating an organic extension of the neighborhood.

Prank has heart and is extremely family oriented, from our Gramma and Grampa on the bathroom doors to our sister in-law’s paintings on the walls. We specialize in food and beverage pairings, as well as clean, elevated food in a fun indoor-outdoor environment. I’m extremely proud of what we are continually perfecting and serving with our healthy and healing terpene cocktails. We work with numerous doctors on anti-inflammatory products that use terpenes. We also work on our proprietary Kombucha line, Fizziotics, which helps with mood enhancement, memory, and energy boosters.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles can be very difficult to open a bar and wouldn’t be my first choice for someone just starting out. Permits can be very difficult to obtain along with escalating wages and the competition. All that aside, I love LA and would open Prank again 12 times over.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1100 South Hope Street
  Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Website: www.prankbar.com
• Phone: 213 493 4786
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prankbar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prankbar/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/prankbar

Image Credit:
White Oak Communications

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