Two brothers, Waldo Duarte and Hector Omar Duarte, are the new owners of WeHo gay bar Trunks, 8809 Santa Monica Blvd. at Larrabee.
Trunks, known for its pool tables and laid back atmosphere, was previously owned by Bill Holland, who died in October at age 77.
Waldo Duarte, who has worked at Trunks for years, said that he and his brother don’t have any big changes planned and will keep things the same as much as possible.
“We are doing really good business actually,” Duarte said. In fact, he said that business at the neighborhood bar has increased in the past two years.
He said he’s not worried about new businesses like P.U.M.P. and Cooley’s setting up shop in the area.
“The more people come to town, the better it is,” he said.
But some businesses in the bar-ladened stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard sometimes called “Boystown” have struggled. Block Party owner Larry Block has said that daytime foot traffic has declined since the city expanded the hours of enforcement for parking meters.
Longtime WeHo resident Donald Elmblad, too, said the expanded meter hours have taken a toll.
“People just don’t come here anymore, and I get that,” said Elmblad, who’s also worried about the future of the area because of a possible large-scale project negotiation at Santa Monica and San Vicente, the site of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus depot lot. Elmblad fears such a project would destroy local businesses and lead to greater traffic woes.
Yay for TRUNKS! The staff is the best you will find anywhere, and the atmosphere can’t be beat. Glad to hear they will be around unchanged. Glitzy bars cater to glitzy shallow people–the rest of us will go to Trunks.
It’s so refreshing to read this story. God Bless both Omar and Waldo. Truth has it now we know exactly where to find “Waldo.” Even though it’s been years since I’ve frequented WeHo Trunks it always had a low key fun attitude. I’ve been coming for an occasion cocktail since 1976, so kudos guys! Best of luck!
My friends and I have been going to Trunks for years! Omar and Waldo are such kind guys and the entire staff from other bartenders, bar backs, and security are always pleasant. Trunks is my #1 bar and I’m thrilled for Waldo and Omar!
Trunks used to be a straight bar many years ago called “Rudy’s.” Myself and my late lover lived up the street on Palm and one day as we were rounding the corner on to Santa Monica Bl. we observed the name of the bar being changed. Monty was always making funny remarks and called up to the persons changing the sign,”Why don’t you just add a T and call it “Trudys?”
Trunks never looked better since Pump moved in.
Omar and Waldo are great guys! Trunks will always stand out (along with Fiesta Cantina during happy hour) as the only bar working class people can afford. $5 stiff well drinks all the time can’t be beat. Glad that the Duarte brothers are keeping things the way they are. Trunks is completely recession and competition proof and I’m sure the brothers will make a killing!
Glad to hear it. Trunks is one of my favorites — a great place to get a cheap drink in an unpretentious environment. I’ve also noticed that it’s seemed busier, so if the model is working no reason to change!
The MTA does not have a bus depot in West Hollywood. What is located at 8800 Santa Monica Bl. is MTA Bus Division Seven. Go to Downtown L.A. and on East Seventh St. is a Greyhound Bus Depot next to their service facility just so your aware of what a bus depot looks like.
Take that Mario Diaz!!
It’s your screwed up overpriced bar that’s the problem….NOT the good people visiting boys town.
Great news…both are really good people. TRUNKS has managed to become the go-to bar for most of the locals.
I also have known the Duarte Brothers for a long time and I for one am so glad that they are living the American Dream! I wish to Congratulate them on their Journey! I know Bill Holland would be proud of these two and the others at the Trunks Family! I wish them the best and will continue to offer my support by visiting Trunks on a regular basis!
I’ve known Waldo and his brother for quite a while – both are terrific people. It’s heartwarming to know that after the long-time owner’s death, Trunks wasn’t sold to the highest bidder for it to be turned it into a pricey “lounge” with $15 martinis. Trunks still pours the best drink for an affordable price. While it’s kind of a dive bar (which I like), I think its business will continue to increase as people look for an affordable, welcoming watering hole that doesn’t just waived a bottle of booze over a glass of ice and mixer. I wish the… Read more »