Published: September 04, 2008

Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE Signs Lease for L.A. LIVE's Last Available Space

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE, the newest addition to the legendary Polynesian restaurant chain, has leased the final space within L.A. LIVE, the four million square foot downtownLos Angeles sports, residential and entertainment district across from STAPLES Center, it was announced by AEG, developers of L.A. LIVE. Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE is slated to open its doors to the public in 2009, according to The Valencia Group, the restaurant management group that owns the legendary destination.

Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE will become part of an exciting mix of some of the most popular restaurants coming to downtownLos Angeles beginning this December, making L.A. LIVE the true dining capital of the sports and entertainment capital of the world. Other restaurants opening at L.A. LIVE include ESPN Zone, The Farm ofBeverly Hills, Fleming's Steak House and Wine Bar, Katsuya, Lawry's Carvery, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Rosa Mexicano, Starbucks, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, Yard House, and the newly-signed ROCK'N FISH; the high-energy, popular South Bay seafood and steakhouse featuring recipes influenced by the flavors ofNew Orleans andAsia with a glamorous and fun atmosphere that has become a favorite for casual dining, celebrations and special occasions.

Also located at L.A. LIVE will be the third location of the popular Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes and Lounge, a fourteen-screen Regal Cineplex and broadcast facilities for ESPN. In early 2010, L.A. LIVE will include a 54-story, 1001-room convention "headquarters" destination, featuring The Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott hotels and 224 luxury condominiums, which will be known as The Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE.

The $2.5 billion L.A. LIVE development will also be the home of "more music per square foot" than any other location inthe United States when the 2,300-capacity Club NOKIA L.A. LIVE, world-famous Conga Room, and one-of-a-kind Grammy Museum join the recently opened 7,100-seat NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE and the adjacent STAPLES Center within the development. This will truly create a one-of-a-kind live "content campus," becoming the heart and soul of the nation's entertainment capital.

"With its signature menu and style, Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE is the perfect complement to the L.A. LIVE campus," said Lisa Herzlich, senior vice president & managing director, L.A. LIVE. "L.A. LIVE's exciting list of tenants is now complete and we are on our way to becoming the newest destination for unique dining and entertainment experiences inLos Angeles."

Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE's menu will include the Island-Asian fusion dishes, famous tiki bar drinks and classic tiki decor and atmosphere that has helped establish the Trader Vic's brand around the world. Most nights of the week, Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE will host live entertainment, including Polynesian dancers and singers. As a franchise, Trader Vic's is known for bringing Polynesian dining and entertainment to the U.S. and other parts of the world. The Mai Tai was invented by Victor J. "Trader Vic" Bergeron, who founded the Trader Vic's franchise in 1934 and helped popularize the tiki culture.

"The Valencia Group's vision for their restaurant honors our storied past," said Sven Koch, senior vice president for business development and global operations for Trader Vic's. "We are confident that not only will our long-time customers be pleased, but that Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE will attract a whole new generation of fans."

"AsLos Angeles natives, we're extremely excited to be part of the L.A. LIVE project which we believe is a major key to the success of the Downtown revitalization," said John Valencia, a native Angeleno and senior partner of the Valencia Group. "We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship as we prepare for our grand opening in early 2009."

"Beginning this December, L.A. LIVE will be where people inLos Angeles will come for the best in live entertainment and the best in dining and ROCK'N FISH fits right in," said Herzlich. "The great menu and vibrant, high energy scene that they are already known for in the South Bay is the perfect fit for L.A. LIVE."

"I've been offered many opportunities to grow the ROCK'N FISH concept, but it wasn't until AEG approached me that I was able to fully embrace an expansion," says Michael Zislis, entrepreneur-restaurateur-hotelier, who first captured the essence ofSouthern California with his original ROCK'N FISH restaurant inManhattan Beach, followed by SHADE HOTEL and, most recently, his MUCHO ULTIMA MEXICANA, which opened last year. "It is really exciting to bring our vibrant beach lifestyle downtown at L.A. LIVE!"

    For more information on L.A. LIVE, visit: http://www.lalive.com
    For more information on AEG, visit http://www.aegworldwide.com

ABOUT THE VALENCIA GROUP

For more information about The Valencia Group or Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE, contact John Valencia via e-mail at John@tradervicsla.com. Visit http://www.tradervicsla.com to purchase your Trader Vic's LA limited edition mug.

MEDIA CONTACTS

AEG/L.A. LIVE - Michael Roth Phone: 213-742-7155 - e-mail: mroth@aegworldwide.com

L.A. LIVE - Melissa Trivino Phone: 323.202.1894 - email: melissa.trivino@edelman.com

Trader Vic's - Lisa Elia Phone: 310-479-0216 - e-mail: lisaeliapr@aol.com

ROCK'N FISH - Alexia Haidos Phone: 310. 450.6890 - e-mail: alexia@doublea-pr.com

SOURCE AEG/L.A. LIVE

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