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by Restaurants
- April 14, 2026
A critical, but often underappreciated, corner of the modern entertainment industry is that of experiential hospitality: the venues, events, and locales that set the stage for memories that last lifetimes. For clients, customers, and guests looking to set up or experience the nighttime outing, experiential hospitality is the core consideration. The right venue—whether it’s a bar, a lounge, a club, or something else—sets the tone, the vibe, and the atmosphere for everyone inside, and that’s before other services like food, music, and drinks are considered.
The nuances and appeal of this section of the hospitality industry have drawn many entrepreneurs, but few are as dedicated to creating the perfect night out as Jay Krymis. Originally from Michigan, the Los Angeles entrepreneur and hospitality professional has opened, managed, and consulted on several locations in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Southern California. He’s been the owner and operator of successful and diverse locations including, but not limited to, “66” Restaurant and Bar on Sunset Boulevard, the West Hollywood landmark and trendsetter Fubar, and more. Today, he’s downsized to running two successful locations: Mic’s Bar and Schmitty’s, both in West Hollywood (WeHo).
Jay Krymis’ career has ranged from working restaurant bars, to television production, to acting, and economic and community development, and he leverages that broad range of experiences to design elevated experiential hospitality experiences that stand out from the crowd. From the small details of ambience and design, to the more sensory factors like the music, Krymis’ venues are guided by an expert understanding of guest psychology and experience design. However, no matter how unique or elevated, the purpose of these venues remains unchanged: these are places for the community to gather, and live, and make memories that last.
“It has been said that the local dive bar is dying, that newer generation bars are focused on the fancy cocktails and a cool aesthetic—but they often forget the whole point,” says Krymis. “The neighborhood bar is a place for the community. A place to meet, to blow off steam, to celebrate, to engage, to mourn together. We are bringing the true neighborhood bar experience back.”
From Community, For Community
The love for community and desire for genuine experiences forms the thematic core of Jay Krymis’ locations. He and his team go all-out to make sure that every guest feels welcome at their venues, like a home away from home, especially at his bars. The goal is not to chase the feeling of being an edgy new locale with a cool gimmick. Krymis is not trying to build the next ‘IT’ Hollywood party venue, but is instead fostering places of genuine connections and experiences—places that are welcoming, cozy, safe, fun, and free of judgements. However, while the overall design ethos hasn’t changed, the perspective and strategy have evolved over time.
“When I first started in the hospitality business I was not as focused on every guest’s individual experience,” he recalls. “I looked at the experience from more of a macro perspective: how the night went, the general experience, and so on. Now, I am very focused on each person’s individual experience. I prefer it; It lets me spend more time with our guests.”
His first bar was, and still is, located in West Hollywood, and he considers himself lucky and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that community. It’s a competitive market, and significant regulations make competing in the hospitality industry there difficult, but the people have always been a blessing in Krymis’ eyes. From his customers to his team, the people have always been the greatest strength and opportunity.
“I love people. I love community. I always have,” he says. “The bar and restaurant has evolved over the years, as have I. New challenges arrive annually. Technology has changed, and the client experience has changed—but the one thing that has not changed is people. That will never change.”
Krymis’ love for his community is clear in every one of his establishments, and his love for the Los Angeles hospitality scene is especially felt. The broad diversity of culture in LA creates such a broad mix of aesthetic and entertainment options that shape the community both in and around the city. From the fancy hotels on Sunset, to the taco trucks in DTLA, the variety is unique and inspiring to Krymis, and is something he tries to bring into his venues wherever possible.
“We are currently planning on a mural on our back patio with a local artist,” Krymis says. “We carry hyper local beers and spirits. We also book local musicians for a live music night we do weekly. As an artist myself it is important to me that we support each other.”
The Moments That Matter
At the end of the day, Krymis values the moments where one of his guests tells him directly that his bar reminds them of a bar back home, or when he gets to watch a moment of authentic connection blossom into a relationship, all facilitated by his team and his decisions. The most rewarding such moment has come from one bar’s muse: Krymis’ wife Michel, the woman for whom the Mic’s Bar was named. Her pride in the success and experience of the venue is the most vibrant feather in Krymis’ proverbial cap.
“The feedback has been amazing,” Jay Krymis says. “I am so proud of the place, and I’m proud of the family we created there. It really is a unique experience to Hollywood. We are a safe space for everyone; A little bar where you can be yourself.”
By bringing the strengths of his diverse community together, and applying his decades of experience as an entertainer and entrepreneur, Jay Krymis is able to create shared spaces for authentic community interactions. Whether that’s a place to meet and blow off steam, a place to celebrate achievements or mourn tragedies, or a place to simply find some peace, his venues are places for connection and togetherness. It’s a labor of love, but it’s one that’s been rewarding at every turn.
“Success to me is doing what you love and making a living at it,” he says. “I have been very lucky that way. I also think success is giving back and serving the community, and that is something I am always working on.”
