’NSync’s Lance Bass Will Open a West Hollywood Restaurant

Last night, Rocco’s Tavern won West Hollywood planning commission approval to open on Santa Monica Boulevard, according to Wehoville. ’NSync singer Lance Bass is a co-owner in the restaurant, which has other outlets in Culver City, Pasadena, Studio City, and Westwood. This West Hollywood expansion will also feature live music, which Bass will help book.

The building used to house a Citibank branch at 3,500 square feet, with room for an outdoor patio, lounge, and live music area. The planning commission initially had issues with ride share pick up, which would’ve added to congestion on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente. Locals also had some concerns about the live music aspect of Rocco’s, but Bass told the commission he wants to bring in jazz, blues, and LGBT-led acts to the area.

Rocco’s Tavern doesn’t have an ambitious menu, with sports bar vibes and things like pizza, burgers, pasta, and sandwiches to eat. Mississippi native Lance Bass told the planning commission that he planned to add some Southern-style items like barbecue and biscuits to the brunch menu.

According to Wehoville, who interviewed Rocco’s co-owner Roger Toussaint, Lance Bass had been a customer to the restaurant’s Studio City location for years before deciding to partner with them. Expect Rocco’s Tavern to open some time later this year in West Hollywood.

Rocco’s Tavern. 8900 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood.

• WeHo Planning Commission Approves Rocco’s Tavern, a Live Music Sports Bar Co-Owned by Lance Bass [Wehoville]
• Essential West Hollywood Restaurants [ELA]