A new concept is in the works to occupy the former Republic Bar & Grill space at 908 15th St. The building in the heart of downtown Sacramento was vacated in 2012 when Republic closed. The owners then converted a portion of the building into a tropical-themed bar, later rebranded into Pretty Loca. The new concept, La Kalle, will take over the building in its entirety.
Incoming operators Brian Phillips and Samantha Montero purchased the lease, assets, and liquor license from the previous ownership group. Bob Simpson, a member of the previous group that owned Republic and the tropical bar concept, indicated it was the right time for him to move on from the location. Simpson has owned over 40 nightclubs and businesses in Sacramento since 1990.
Phillips and Montero are converting the building into a new full-service restaurant and Latin dance club. The restaurant will fill up the former Republic space and the dance club will take over the portion occupied by Pretty Loca. Phillips, or “DJ Matt,” is a music industry veteran with 25+ years of experience whereas Montero comes in with a background in restaurant administration and human resources.
The duo is currently waiting for city approval to modify the 6,400-square-foot space to construct a new bar and partition walls for additional storage space. The business also requires an entertainment permit to operate the nightclub portion. If all goes well, La Kalle can open in mid-March. The operators also plan to eventually redesign the building’s facade in the future.
