WEHO/HOLLYWOOD: We're getting more and more tips that BOA Steakhouse will tell the Grafton Hotel buh-bye. A few weeks ago, applications for a liquor license were filed for BOA at 9220 Sunset Boulevard. Plans to enclose the outdoor courtyard for an almost 14,000-square-foot restaurant (god, we love public records) at Luckman Plaza (9220 Sunset Blvd) were submitted to the WeHo planning commission. Name of restaurant: BOA, but it sounds way in the premilinary stages and still needs approval. And then today we get this: "I'm sure you already know....but Boa Steakhouse at the grafton is moving to the new W Hotel Hollywood." Screeeeech. What? The W Hotel rumor is totally unconfirmed***; in fact, parent company Innovative Dining Group is mum on the whole BOA situation.
IDG's Lee Maen told us a few months ago: "We are working on a large and exciting project on Sunset. But as of now, no real news of what it will be. We do very well at the Grafton but always considering what's best for the future." Yes, yes, mum's the word. We get it. But all roads lead to IDG doing something with BOA, and it ain't at the Grafton. So what does this mean for the Sunset Strip hotel?
***UDPDATE: According to Craigslist there's a Sushi Roku and BOA going into the new W Hotel in Scottsdale. Maybe there's more to that W Hollywood rumor after all...story really developing now.
***UPDATE #2: Word travels to Paris fast. From the vacationing Mr. Maen: "We do have potential W news in the weeks to come but I can asure you that its not Boa. Luckman would be a fantastic location for Boa if it was to work out. More to come."
· EaterWire: Boa's Move [~ELA~]
