Two Fathers Office Alums Bringing The Bellwether to Bustling Studio City

Studio City’s ascension into dining prominence continues this morning, as two Fathers Office alums take over a long-vacant corner restaurant location right along Ventura Boulevard.

The new project from chef Ted Hopson, a Top Chef Masters alum and former Fathers Office/Lukshon exec chef, is called The Bellwether, and is done in partnership with Ann-Marie Verdi, who will act as overall beverage director. The plan for the new restaurant, which should arrive mid-summer, is to fall immediately into the neighborhood dining niche, with a family-style menu that plays off the flavors of Southern Italy and ten craft beers on tap.

Of course, these are Sang Yoon proteges, so nothing is ever quite so simple. Hopson’s menu will also have an R+D section for more adventurous guests willing to experiment, and Verdi will be utilizing ten other bar taps for kegged wines and batched cocktails.

The space, formerly known as Olé Tapas Bar, is prime corner real estate along Ventura Blvd, with 70 interior and 30 patio seats. The rehab is being overseen by Ana Henton, who did the stunning Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach, so expect an open dining room and plenty of kitchen views. A tiled bar and red leather banquettes will add to the homey appeal of the 3,200 square foot space. Look for evening hours only when The Bellwether first debuts later this summer.

The Bellwether
13251 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA