NewsEater LANovember 4, 2026Los Angeles County
Everson Royce Bar Announces Permanent Closure by the End of 2026 Amid Wider Los Angeles Nightlife Struggles
Photo: Eater LA
Everson Royce Bar in Downtown Los Angeles announced it will permanently close by the end of 2026 after 11 years in business, joining a wave of nightlife closures across the region. Co-owner Randy Clement cited rising operational costs, declining tourism, changing drinking trends, and the ongoing economic impact on entertainment industry workers as primary factors behind the decision.
Read the full story at Eater LAWhy It Matters
The closure of Everson Royce Bar highlights a broader economic strain affecting independent bars, restaurants, and retail shops across Los Angeles as venue operators face escalating expenses and a shrinking customer base.
Key Facts
- Everson Royce Bar in Downtown Los Angeles will close permanently at the end of 2026 after operating for 11 years.
- Co-owners include Joe Capella, Randy Clement, April Langford, and chef Matt Molina.
- Co-owner Randy Clement cited rising operational costs, a significant drop in tourism, changing drinking trends, and the aftereffects of the pandemic and entertainment industry strikes as reasons for the closure.
- West Altadena Wine, another business owned by Langford and Clement, closed in late October following prolonged neighbor complaints and conflicts involving local government agencies.
- Other Los Angeles nightlife venues, including West Hollywood's The Belmont, Employees Only, and Augustine Wine Bar, have also recently closed or announced upcoming closures.
- Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman attended an event at Ye Rustic Inn to show support for independent local businesses facing lease and operational pressures.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationLos Angeles County's Department of Public Works, Building and Safety“Local government agency receiving complaints regarding West Altadena Wine”OrganizationGood Neighbor Bar“Establishment run by Langford and Clement”OrganizationEverson Royce Bar“Downtown Los Angeles bar announcing its permanent closure”PersonRandy Clement“Partner and co-owner of Everson Royce Bar and West Altadena Wine”OrganizationThe Belmont“West Hollywood establishment that shuttered in August”OrganizationAugustine Wine Bar“Bar announcing closure scheduled for December 19”OrganizationCannonball“South Pasadena restaurant opened in 2025”PersonApril Langford“Partner and co-owner of Everson Royce Bar and West Altadena Wine”OrganizationHippo“Restaurant operated by Capella and Molina”PersonKaren Bass“Incumbent Mayor of Los Angeles”OrganizationWest Altadena Wine“Wine bar closed by owners in late October”PersonSusan Wood“Owner of Ye Rustic Inn”OrganizationDepartment of Public Health“Local public health department”PersonNithya Raman“Los Angeles councilmember and mayoral candidate”PersonEsther Tseng“Cocktail culture writer discussing the bar's history”PersonMatt Molina“Chef and partner at Everson Royce Bar”OrganizationYe Rustic Inn“Bar facing potential loss of outdoor seating”OrganizationLA County Planning“Local government planning department”OrganizationEmployees Only“West Hollywood bar that closed in late September”PersonJoe Capella“Partner and co-founder of Everson Royce Bar”