NoHo Supermarket Site Becomes Yet Another Gym

Apparently we were very wrong.

The news we are getting is that the former HOWS space in NoHo has been leased by a gym.  We had heard that Gold's Gym had previously pulled permits; the news I am hearing now is that the site will be the latest branch of 24 Hour Fitness.

Considering that no less than four membership based gyms operate within a two - three block radius of the site one wonders why the need for a grocery store was not met.

As it stands, the broker handling the sale, Eric Reuveni, made a statement that most of the residents "do not know how to cook." Thus, HOWS or any other grocery store isn't right for the area.

Unbelievable.

A Market Comes to NoHo?

Fresh on the heels of news that HOWS, the former occupant of the grocery store space at NoHo Commons, is closing all but one of the rest of it's stores and essentially going out of a business as a chain, comes very reliable information that next week the announcement will come that a new food retailer plans to open in the space.

Could it be Henry's Farmers Market?

We had heard earlier this year rumors that Henry's was coming to the location.  But Joe B. from Mayor Sam said that permits had been pulled to build a Gold's Gym there.  However today we have learned from sources that principles involved in the transaction have confirmed a market is coming and that the name will be announced next week.

Henry's, a chain with roots going back before World War II, operates 35 locations in Southern California with a retro-themed, natural foods approach similar to Whole Foods but at a lower price point.  Indeed Henry's had actually been owned by Whole Foods before it was aquired by a subsidiary of Smart and Final in  2007.

With a new market moving in and the demise of the HOWS' chain it's sweet justice for a community who was blamed for killing its best chance at an upscale type grocery store.  Looks like it wasn't our fault after all.

Let's hope they re-open the wine room, too!  Glass of pinot grigio please!

NoHo Commons: It's Fresh and Easy

Our secret inside snoops are telling us that indeed a Fresh and Easy store is going to take over the space in NoHo Commons to be vacated by the ailing HOWS Market.  Stay tuned.

Final Night at HOWS Wine Room

As we reported Thursday (and confirmed by LAist's Zach Behrens) HOWS market in NoHo is closing, a victim of poor sales.  One of the more interesting aspects of the market was it's wine tasting room which developed a strong local following.  Sunday night the Wine Experience had it's swan song with a packed audience.  The rest of HOWS will close down slowly over the next month or so.

We've heard reports that HOWS management will attend a meeting called by officials of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and members of the Mayor's staff.  Insiders have told us however that HOWS decision is final and it's not likely the City could offer anything for the business to remain open.

Patrons enjoy a last glass of wine at HOWS.

A final toast in honor of HOWS longtime wine room manager Bill Essitier.

HOWS Market to Close?

We're hearing rumors that HOWS Market in NoHo with its wine bar and everything great about it is closing as of next week.

Already, the location is no longer on the company's website.

This is a sad day for NoHo.

A Theatre Grows in NoHo

Workers seen beginning construction this morning on a new retail/office center anchored by a Laemmle Theatres multiplex near the North Hollywood Metro Station. This development is the final piece of the CRA's "NoHo Commons" project which has brought several hundred apartments and shopping including the legendary HOWS Market to the NoHo Arts District.



(Photo by Jack Witt)

Friday Night at HOWS

Friday night I left work and had visions of joining some friends, watching the Laker game and enjoying a fine margarita at Splash Bar at the Beverly Garland.

I got there and alas, it was not to be. Three people occupied Splash Bar and they were intent on a Faith Hill concert. As I sat down, my BlackBerry went off with a text message - my friend was going elsewhere and the plans were off. Thankfully, I found out the parking lot ticket for the Beverly Garland had a half hour grace period so I was not stuck alone with a margarita, tourists and Faith.

So it was head over to the Wine Experience at HOWS Market. Good thing it was, though I did not get my margarita HOWS was packed with the usual crowd.

Bill was behind the bar assisted by the lovely Elece. Riley, with his pretty wife Cass next to him, was holding court discussing everything from the Space Program to the way to a woman's heart. He also taught me how to drink wine, something I really do need to learn.

"Riley, with his pretty wife Cass next to him, was holding court discussing everything from the Space Program to the way to a woman's heart."

The regulars - Lisa, Glenn, et al trickled as well as a few others. Quite frankly the place was packed as we watched the Lakers win. Bill was kind enough to treat me to a HOWS cheeseburger.

As the evening wore on, Lisa, Glenn and friends gathered up a crew for a late night dinner at Spark Grill. A gracious invitation I received, but the aforementioned cheeseburger nixed that. We closed the wine room down and then it was time to do a little grocery shopping; how handy it is to drink and hang out in a supermarket.

Only in NoHo!

Hey Hey Ho Ho Its All About HOWS!

I fall more in love with HOWS Market each and every day. It's only been open a few months now but its quickly becoming the town gathering space for those of us who live in Downtown NoHo (and beyond).

Friday night, I met up with Jack Witt (He's the one in the photo standing in front of a HOWS ad inside the NoHo Metro Red Line Station, President of the Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees and a legendary local fitness trainer) to indulge a bit in the Sam Adams beer tasting in the Wine Experience. Along with slices of pizza baked in-store, a series of six different vintages of the popular Boston beer were consumed. Also in attendance was a charming woman who works as an executive for the Bravo television network.

Of course HOWS is the brainchild of former executives of the legendary Hughes Market chain that served Los Angeles for decades. When the chain was gobbled up by Ralphs in the late 90s, shoppers saw a decline in service at local stores as prices increased.

The growing small chain brings back the charm and service of Hughes but updated with a bit of a boho flair. The Hughes chain - started by Joseph Hughes the father of HOWS co-owner Roger Hughes and grandfather of the NoHo store's general manager Paul Hughes - was in business for nearly 50 years before a series of mergers and acquisitions turned many remaining Hughes locations in Ralphs markets. HOWS is owned by Roger Hughes as well as former Hughes execs Mark Oerum, David Wolff and Steve Strickler (the H, O, W and S of HOWS).

The Wine Experience is a new feature for HOWS and certainly for much of Los Angeles. Unlike the long rows of beer, wine and liquor you see at the usual Ralphs or Vons outlet, HOWS has a separate, well decorated, adult beverage department. And the linchpin of all this is a tasting room - which even thought the market and the law makes real clear is not a bar - it is quickly gathering the charm and intimacy not even Sam Malone could have imagined for Cheers.

Saturday, after a dinner of sushi at Miyako at Lankershim and Morrison, I headed back over to HOWS to see what was happening at the Wine Experience. As usual, I found sommeliers Bill and Greg - two great guys - on duty. After requesting a bottle of Sam Adam's Summer Ale (wine can only be served in one ounce tasting portions but individual bottles of beer may be consumed under the terms of the store's license) a party of young adults returning from a birthday celebration at Tokyo Delves. Spotted in this group was Ginger Kinison - the young niece of late, legendary comic Sam Kinison - and an up and coming performer and artist in her own right - definitely adding to the NoHo vibe.

Besides the Wine Experience there are lots of other great things about HOWS - not to mention of course the great produce, meat section, etc. However just how much its working to build community is notable in its own right.

NoHo - we may have landed. Stay tuned.

NoHo Buzz

Curbed LA has a snarky post about the NoHo Lofts here in the Fourth Council District. Wise developers took a former spice factory and have created an eclectic but fabulous collection of live-work spaces. These spaces should not be confused with the Lofts at NoHo Commons, brand new construction, but equally part of the ever expanding boho NoHo buzz that has descended on North Hollywood.

Indeed, the pueblo was recently aflutter over the opening Tuesday of the new HOWS Market at NoHo Commons. Local Fitness Trainer and Jaycee President Jack Witt tells us the store has some great sushi at great prices.