F&B LA 2019

Michael Shirinian
Restuarant Owner
Shirinian Hospitality Group


My family was in the restaurant business for 30 years in San Francisco featuring two theater lounges. I grew up around this business and worked briefly for the family prior to purchasing my first restaurant in 1980. I owned and operated the Silver Dollar Hofbrau. This was a 5000 sq. ft. restaurant featuring 3000 real silver dollars inlaid in the bar top along with extensive mahogany millwork throughout. The Silver Dollar was reminiscent of a turn of the century Barbary Coast saloon and eatery. We featured hand carved sandwiches from whole turkey's, double top rounds, corned beef brisket etc. exhibition style through our cafeteria line. We averaged 300 kegs of beer a month served in frozen mugs. We were also a full service bar and a top 5 liquor account in Central California. We took this concept to New York with other business partners to grow the concept. I came back to California and purchased a small restaurant (1800 ft.) called The Elbow Room Bar and Grill in 1994. I still own this restaurant which has relocated once during that time. Our annual sales have grown from $300,000 when purchased in 1994 to a projected 2019 sales level of $6.5 million. We now occupy 11,000 ft. and have experienced double digit growth the last two years. We have been awarded 20 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and 2 Best of Awards of Excellence for our wine list, cellar and wine program. The Elbow Room is also a top ten liquor and beer account in Central California. I also own Riley's Brew Pub where we feature craft beer, craft cocktails and pub style fare. For 5 years I also owned The Chef's Table Restaurant a wine-centric, high end eatery. Additionally, I own Elbow Room Catering Company specializing in off premise, high-end events for up to 3500 guests. Additionally, I do a twice monthly radio show called "The Restaurateurs" on 50,000 watt KMJ radio station. Selectively, I do restaurant consulting. Lastly, I have been a CRA state board member for the last three years.

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