A downtown Glendale jazz joint shutters after 3 decades, but music might pick up again elsewhere
Jax Bar and Grill is closed for remodeling, according to signs in the windows.
After 30 years as downtown Glendale’s watering hole featuring jazz performers, Jax Bar & Grill closed last week, though a city official says it may reopen somewhere else.
Jax was located on the ground floor of the Hotel Brandwood at 339 N. Brand Blvd. The hotel’s management bought out Jax’s alcohol license and will open another restaurant in its place, said Jennifer McClain, the city’s principal economic development officer.
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“From what we understand, it will be similar to what the previous owners had, which is a ‘Cheers’-style pub in an intimate setting,” McClain said. “The only difference is that the hotel will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
However, it’s unclear, at the moment, whether the venue will continue to be a venue for live jazz.
Hotel Brandwood’s management did not return multiple phone calls for comment.
Jax opened in 1984 and quickly became known for live music seven nights a week.
Jax Bar and Grill is closed for remodeling, according to signs in the windows on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.
If Jax is gone for good, it will be a loss for downtown and the city’s push to create an 18-hour city where people work and socialize, said Judee Kendall, president and chief executive of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
She called Jax’s closure the loss of an icon.
“People came from out of the area as well as people that were jazz enthusiasts. They loved going to Jax because it was known for jazz,” Kendall said.
The new restaurant is expected to open within 30 to 40 days, after it undergoes some cosmetic remodeling, McClain said, adding that the new establishment will feature a “sky lounge.”
“We’re saddened to see [Jax] leave, but it sounds like it’s looking for a new location,” she said. “We’re also gaining a new concept at the current site. We see it as a win-win.”
The jazz club was owned by Jeff Williams, a local restaurateur who shuttered another downtown eatery last year — Clancy’s Crab Broiler.
He also owned Hamburger Central, which closed several years ago and is now the newest location for casual burger joint Everest.
In addition, Williams owns Black Cow Cafe in Montrose. He also did not return phone calls for comment.
Having two well-known restaurants go out of business did not raise concerns for Kendall, however, who said the closings were just part of changing times.
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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com
Twitter: @ArinMikailian
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