It’s the end of the line for the short-lived cocktail bar The Fiscal Agent in the Valley, as sources confirm that the final night of service was last Saturday. The surprise shutter comes not long after Chris Amirault was installed as Beverage Director for the Studio City space.
Ultimately it seems the high-minded Ventura Boulevard outlet couldn’t find a strong local following, as Amirault has been saying for weeks that they needed to be more inclusive, even going so far as to throw big, open themed parties for anyone who hoped to stop by. That’s not exactly what Julian Cox had in mind when he conceived and opened the place back in October, but the notable barman eventually left his post at the passion project for a gig in Chicago.
The website for The Fiscal Agent now reads simply "Thanks for a great run.", with a statement from the Sprout LA restaurant group that owns the place as follows:
We're excited to announce that we will be expanding Barrel and Ashes beyond the downstairs restaurant to continue its growth and evolution upstairs, making room for more of your favorite hoe cakes, brisket, beer, whiskey, and much more to come.
The Fiscal Agent will live on in its evolution through Beverage Director Nick Meyer’s ever growing restaurant cocktail programs throughout Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more exciting updates…
Of course, Fiscal Agent was situated on the second floor of the same building that Barrel and Ashes, Timothy Hollingsworth’s upscale barbecue operation, currently occupies. As for what form that upstairs evolution takes, it’s anyone’s guess at the moment.