We Met at the Bar
Our story began years ago at the bar of Eric's restaurant, the Spitfire Grill at the Santa Monica Airport.
Like so many great conversations, ours started over food, drinks, and the simple enjoyment of being together.
At the time, neither of us could have imagined that one day we'd be creating a new kind of hospitality experience inspired by the very place where we first met.
Looking back, it seems fitting.
The place where our story began eventually inspired the place we're now building for others.
We Built a Life Around Hospitality
From the beginning, we've shared a passion for creating places where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected.
Eric spent his career building restaurants, consulting with hospitality businesses, developing new concepts, and helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.
Debra has spent her career creating beautiful spaces through interior design, home staging, remodeling, and renovation. She has an exceptional eye for the details that transform a room into an experience.
Over the years, we've worked side by side—not only in business, but in creating homes, renovating spaces, solving problems, and building a life together.
Looking back, every restaurant, renovation, and hospitality project was quietly preparing us to build SoBar.
Then Our Perspective Changed
For years, one of our favorite routines was meeting friends after work.
Like so many people, we'd gather for happy hour.
Not because alcohol was the destination.
Because the people were.
The conversations.
The laughter.
The relationships.
Then, together, we made the decision to stop drinking.
What surprised us wasn't missing alcohol.
It was how much we missed the experience of simply going out.
We quickly realized there were very few places designed for people who wanted everything they loved about socializing without alcohol being the center of the evening.
That realization stayed with us.
So We Decided To.
SoBar wasn't created because we wanted people to stop drinking.
It was created because people deserve another place to gather.
A place where hospitality comes first.
Where handcrafted beverages receive the creativity and attention they deserve.
Where thoughtfully prepared food encourages conversation.
Where design invites people to stay awhile.
Where community matters more than what's in your glass.
A place where everyone feels equally welcome.
That became SoBar.
