Drink: Story Tavern opens in March. New gastropub Story Tavern will soon be sparking some nostalgia in downtown Burbank. The establishment, to be located on San Fernando Road, will be modeled after an “early 1900s Craftsman bungalow,” said Ted Slaught, senior managing director with real estate firm Charles Dunn Company and owner of the 2,200-square-foot space. Enlisting the help of the Burbank Historical Society, the new tenants plan to include memorabilia from Burbank’s history in the establishment’s décor. Artifacts including old maps, documents and photographs will give customers a glimpse into the city’s history, which spans more than 100 years. Although Story Tavern is not slated to open until mid-March, the Burbank community is already buzzing about the new addition to the area. Residents as well some of the city’s big-name businesses, from Disney to Warner Bros., have approached Story Tavern’s management to offer items or event ideas that will align with the restaurant’s historical theme. Story Tavern’s management team Diane Slaught, Brian Slaught and Brad Bannan have extensive backgrounds in the restaurant business as well as strong roots in Los Angeles. The restaurant’s historical aspect is “very meaningful to them. They are trying to bring awareness back to community and into the décor,” said Slaught, who is the father of Diane and Brian. Story Tavern’s menu will include “farm fresh” selections that aim to be both healthy and accommodating to those with dietary restrictions. The menu’s price points will range from $9 to $14. “There won’t be any fried foods, prepackaged or frozen foods, with the exception of ice cream,” Slaught said. The beverage menu will include a selection of European and craft beers, ciders and wines on tap. Slaught said Story Tavern’s historical concept combined with its hip menu will fill a niche in the restaurant sector that will attract Burbank’s residents as well as its visitors. “I think it will be very well received,” he said. “No one else is doing that right now.” — Angela Melero
