The New Avignone's Opening Date Is Now JULY 20!

It's an exciting time for the neighborhood bar scene in Montrose! Think "Cheers" and "Friends" with a touch of Hollywood thrown in. AVIGNONE'S first opened its doors in 1971. Since then it has mostly been a quiet local hangout with a claim to fame.

Many movies, tv shows, and commercials have been filmed here, the most famous being THE WEDDING SINGER starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. COURTNEY COX filmed her first movie here and there has been much more!

This year, after 47 years, Joe Avignone, who also owns the building, decided to sell his business. Enter JORDAN NEDEFF (left), JASON FILARDI (right), and their partners Andrea Filardi, Peter Filardi, Michael Wright, and Tammi Chase Wright, all locals and friends. Jordan and Jason first met at the local gym, played baseball together, and would visit Avignone's for a beer after the game. They always wanted a "Cheers" type bar and this was the chance for their dream to become reality.

The new owners have roots in Montrose, Sparr Heights, La Crescenta, and La Canada. They are a lovely group of people with the most interesting backgrounds. JORDAN was born and raised in Glendale. He is a real estate professional specializing in architectural properties with PACIFIC UNION INTERNATIONAL and sits on their Charitable Giving Fund Board. He is also a longstanding member of AYSO, a non-profit children's soccer organization, where he serves as referee, coach, and board member. He resides in Sparr Heights where he lives with his wife Marcie, daughter Gianna, and two rescue dogs Champ and Ollie.

JASON is a well known Hollywood screenwriter famous for BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE with Steve Martin and Queen Latifah, 17 AGAIN starring Zac Efron, and more. His beautiful wife ANDREA, is a professional model whose face has graced many tv commercials and magazines representing companies like L'OREAL, AVEENO, and NEUTROGENA. Andrea is the creative genius behind Avignone's new look.

The other partners are locals MICHAEL WRIGHT and his wife TAMMI CHASE WRIGHT. Michael is President of MGM's EPIX. He is also the former CEO of DREAMWORKS and Steven Spielberg's AMBLIN. Prior to that he was head of programing for TBS and TNT. Tammi is a producer and owned a talent agency representing big name actors.

The only out of state partner is PETER FILARDI, Jason's brother, and also a screenwriter and producer. He wrote FLATLINERS starring Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, and Julia Roberts. Quite an exciting group I would say!

Wait until you see the amazing update inside! I don't want to give away all the secrets, however this newly tiled entryway speaks for itself. Beyond the red door you will find new hardwood flooring, and a sparkling ceiling. They have retained the iconic red circular booths and brought in vintage bar stools and solid wood tables. There is a brand new back bar and totally remodeled and tiled bathrooms. You must try the state of the art Juke Box that takes pictures and uses an app so you can play your favorite songs.

Jason assured me that though updated, the bar will retain its neighborhood OLD SCHOOL charm. I just happened to catch this scene from the movie on tv the other day. Behind Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson you can see the red bricks of Avignone's and the awning of Revelation Tops. Jason described the bar as a "neighborhood friendly, premium dive bar."

There will now be beer on tap, a nice selection of wines, and generous pours on the cocktails. You won't find those expensive craft cocktails here. The new hours are 4pm - 2am, seven nights a week. There will be occasional live music and you can book them for private parties.

Aren't you EXCITED after reading this!!! All the more reason to BE THERE for the REVISED GRAND OPENING JULY 20 at 4 pm! You just never know who you might see! Avignone's is located at 2321 Honolulu Ave. in the one and only Montrose.