Hermosillo Club's New Owner Planning 'Higher-End' Beer and Wine Bar

For the loyal denizens of the on York Boulevard, the bar was beloved for its unpretentious atmosphere, cheap Mexican beer and a corridos-bumping jukebox.

Those days may be coming to an end, though, as the bar has recently been sold and new owner Ross Stephenson has plans for a slightly "higher-end" establishment.

Stephenson, who took ownership of the Hermosillo Club three weeks ago, went before the Land Use Committee Tuesday evening to discuss his plans for the establishment.

"We're going to keep the same type of license, beer and wine, but a little higher end. I'm a bit of a beer hobbyist," Stephenson told the the committee.

Stephenson said he hoped to stock the bar with "higher quality wines" and craft beers from local breweries.

"We're hoping for something like the Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park," Stephenson said.

The new bar will keep the Hermosillo Club's existing type-42 liquor license, which allows owners to sell beer and wine on the premises from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m.

According to the California Alcoholic Beverage Commission, there are currently 25 licenses permitting the on-site sale and consumption of alcohol in Highland Park, 12 of which are located within one mile of the Hermosillo Club.

Click here to see the full list.

Committee member Janet Dodson told Stephenson that, due to the high volume of bars and liquor stores in the area, some residents might be wary of another such establishment opening in the neighborhood.

However, Stephenson will not be required to apply for a liquor licenses, as state law will allow him to operate under the building's existing license.

According to Stephenson, the bar's previous owner had run into financial trouble, prompting her to sell the neighborhood fixture.

Previously known as the Hi-Hat, the Cape Cod style structure at 5125 York Blvd. has operated as a tavern since the 1960s.

According to local historian Charles Fisher, the structure was built in 1929, and boasts an exceptionally rare architectural style for the neighborhood.

"It's only Cape Cod in all of Highland Park," Fisher said.

Stephenson said he doesn't imagine a radical transformation for the Hermosillo Club, but he said he hoped to restore the building's fading facade, add a front window and make some interior improvements. 

"We're hoping to do it quickly, within the next two months," Stephenson said.

A resident of Downtown Los Angeles, Stephenson previously worked as an expeditor for Los Angeles restaurateurs, helping them to navigate the maze of bureaucracy on their way to obtaining liquor licenses and conditional use permits.

He told the committee that he became interested in purchasing the Hermosillo Club during a bike ride through the neighborhood.

"I just popped in and said 'hello' to the owner," Stephenson said.

He said he's hoping to keep the name and the iconic neon sign depicting a lady in a green dress, though he told the committee that he'll likely drop the "Club." 

"It's definitely not going to be a club," he said.