How this Local Entrepreneur landed ownership of Culver City’s Iconic Tattle Tale Room

Over fifty-seven years ago, Roger Lowell opened the Tattletale Room Tavern in Culver City California. The Tattletale has been a prominent staple in the city having opening hours of 6am to 2am serving locals and visitors endless amounts of cocktails and beers.

After being shutdown for one year in 2019 as a result the mandated pandemic closures, Roger decided to call it quits, putting the Tattletale Room up for sale… choosing to embark on a more quiet, retired life.

Interesting enough, Roger decided to sell the business to another local, small business owner, Marlo Nicole. The new owner previously owned Berri’s Café in Los Angeles (famous for their signature lobster pizza, and late night dining), Burgerim (burger franchise), and has other business ventures across various industries.

We were able to speak with Marlo and gathered some background in this transaction.

When many people think of entertainment, they think of sports, music and the motion picture industry. While people enjoy these live events, attending them is not always affordable or feasible. When it’s not, I want them to come to Stage 21 in Culver City.

When many people think of entertainment, they think of sports, music and the motion picture industry. While many people enjoy these live events, attending them is not always feasible. When it’s not feasible, I want them to come to Stage 21 in Culver City.

When I was given the opportunity to buy the Tattletale Room, I knew what I was getting myself into. In a nutshell, it is the Culver City Cheers (Bar). Everyone that entered as strangers, left as friends… One of Rogers quotes. I was fortunate to be able to spend sometime with Roger and get an understanding of how he was able to keep the momentum going for over 57 years.

At the end of the day, it’s about the people. The ability to build relationships with your staff and customers are essential. I’ve met with some of Rogers’s employees and gave them the 1st right of refusal for employment. I would love to keep them onboard. Although my concept isn’t the same as Rogers’s, I’m willing to train and give them opportunities to make the adjustment. So far, they are very excited for the plan that I’ve made.

My vision for the new bar is to create a Sports and Entertainment Lounge. We will add additional TVs and will feature as many of the sporting events that both Spectrum and DirectTV will allow. When a sporting event isn’t on… you can expect to see highlights of sports, or a good old film classic.

In my house we eat and sleep sports, movies and television. We wake up to ESPN’s First Take every morning and if we aren’t watching a sporting event, someone is writing a script, reading or a negotiation is taking place. Hollywood, Sports, and TV/Film set life is a reality and I am married to all of it. I have grown to love the practical and physical aspect of both sports and entertainment. It brings me much joy.

The name of the new bar is STAGE 21. Being connected to the Entertainment Industry and my very first job/internship was working for the NBA; I wanted to bring those two industries together. The vision I have for STAGE 21 is being present at the sporting event while back stage at the half-time show. Being up the street from Sony Pictures… we chose the name Stage 21.

Over the years, Roger catered to the Packers Football fans. I would love to carry on that tradition in addition to other concepts which will include Karaoke, Industry nights hosted by celebrity and industry friends, and Television/Film themed events.

The new kitchen will focus on small bites and will often mimic the concession stand. We will be adding a specialty cocktail menu with signature martinis and mixed drinks.

My goal is to create a comfortable environment, enjoyable amongst friends with tasty small bites and great drinks. We will maintain the casual dive bar environment with an updated atmosphere.

STAGE 21 Bar & Lounge will have their Grand Opening on Saturday, July 3rd, from 6pm to 2am hosted by Marlo Nicole and friends.

STAGE 21 is located at 5401 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, California 90230. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @Stage21culvercity