Lou Moench. Where do you begin? Lou was always ahead of his time. Under Lou's ownership, Father's Office was influential in the rise of America's craft brewing industry and the establishment of smoke-free bars in California.
The best part about Father's Office was that it was on Montana Avenue directly across the street from iconic furniture store Shabby Chic. That's where he met Nina Krivanek (destined to be Nina Moench) the love of his life. They were married in Santa Monica and had their reception at Father's Office. Together they raised two children, Zoe and Louis Mirle Moench IV (aka Buddy). Some of you may have seen Buddy's birth on TV in "A Baby Story" on The Discovery Channel.
As owner of Father's Office in the 1980s, Lou initially sold two types of beers from Anchor Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and expanded the beer menu over the years to include more than 70 brands from California, Oregon and Washington. Selections would vary, depending on available stock and season.
Looking back on when he purchased Father's Office in the '80s, Lou said embracing craft beer came with a cost. "When I stopped selling Bud and put Widmer Hefeweizen on that tap handle, I got a reaction. I had to educate people."
That wasn't the only thing Lou educated people about. Father's Office made headlines in 1991 when Lou decided to voluntarily make it California's first smoke-free bar. For Lou, taking action was a health issue for his employees. "Secondhand smoke kills some 53,000 people each year,” he would tell bar owners. "This is about caring for the health of your employees and customers who don't smoke," he said. Seven years later, all other bar owners in California would eventually join him. In 1994, Gov. Pete Wilson signed a law banning smoking in the workplace. A temporary exemption was carved out for bars and casinos, but that ended on January 1, 1998.
How else was Lou ahead of his time? He created a tap wine system for Truxton's that helped bring about a change in how American enjoyed wine. He was also ahead of his time with a distinctive style. He was often seen in a bow tie and a fedora which will come back eventually, we're just not sure when.
A Renaissance man, Lou was a lover of music, played the harpsichord, sat on the Santa Monica Planning Commission and was a stay-at-home-dad for many years.
If you have a good story about Louis Mirle Moench III (aka Lou) please leave it here.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Lou Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Lou's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.Help Lou Stay Connected to Family and Friends
