In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Brad Thomas, the man often cited as a cornerstone of Los Angeles nightlife for over two decades. Brad reflects on the evolution of the city’s entertainment scene—from the legendary runs of Barfly and Le Deux to the high-energy eras of Playhouse and Supperclub.

Brad breaks down the post-COVID shift in consumer behavior, noting how Gen Z’s preference for wellness and "mushrooms" over alcohol has forced a radical reinvention of the industry. He also discusses his transition from the nightlife "grind" to high-end event production, managing partnerships with Century City Plaza (The Fairmont) and The Seller in Beverly Hills. Whether it’s hosting a $200-a-head dinner at Novikov or producing a multi-million dollar Jackson Pollock art showcase, Brad reveals the "Drew Code" for staying relevant in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.

[0:00] – The New HQ: Andrew launches the official drewcodehq.com website and a new studio setup.

[0:50] – 20 Years in LA: Brad Thomas on his journey from the early 2000s to today.

[2:15] – Why Clubs Die: The lifecycle of a venue and why the current market is "frothy".

[4:10] – The Wellness Shift: How Gen Z and the "Aerewhon Era" changed the drinking rate in LA.

[6:25] – Pivoting to Events: Moving into high-stakes production for the Golden Globes and Oscars.

[7:15] – Fashion Night LA: Tackling the "Wild West" of the Los Angeles fashion scene.

[8:30] – New Frontiers: Bringing the brand to the Fairmont Century City and The Seller.

[9:50] – The Rebrand: Inside the name changes of iconic spots like Skybar and Mondrian.

[11:15] – Early Hustle: The origin of the "Real Estate Success Group" (RSG) and the Remax days.

[13:40] – The Sunset Strip Dream: Why West Hollywood remains the ultimate location for a legacy club.

Instagram: @bthomasla

Companies: Exquisite Affairs & Fashion Night LA

The Seller Beverly Hills: Brad’s current hub for high-end corporate and art events.

Century City Plaza (Fairmont): A major partner for Brad’s upscale event production.

Novikov: Mentioned as the current hotspot for high-end dining and networking.

Skybar (White Rabbit): Discussed during the transition and rebranding segments.

Collaboration Over Competition: Brad’s philosophy on why helping younger talent helps the entire ecosystem.

The Experience Economy: Why people are choosing $200 dinners over traditional nightclub tables.