Mikayel Israyelyan, Owner of famed Republic restaurant + lounge, brings a fine dining Russian steakhouse to Ventura Boulevard’s growing restaurant row.
Mikayel Israyelyan, CEO of Muse Lifestyle Group is a seasoned restaurateur and successful entrepreneur. A savvy businessman at an early age, Israyelyan opened his first cafe at 14 years old in a local movie theater in Yerevan, Armenia. He moved to the US two years later to broaden his opportunities.
Israyelyan past projects include, Vesuvius (1998) Oasis Bakery and Cafe (2002, Divine Limousine Services, Russian Tea Room and Cafe, and Bliss Restaurant and Supper Club, which was frequented by the likes of Hugh Hefner, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kim Kardashian. The Republic: a fine-dining restaurant and special-events venue featuring contemporary American
cuisine with a slight Southern flair. Prana Cafe (2006) on Melrose Place open for breakfast and lunch
Romanov is the product of Israyelyan's Russian-Armenian roots and his desire to introduce Americans to trye Russian culture. The restaurant (reminiscent of the Tsar's Winter Palace in St. Petersburg), features Russian cuisine and an extensive vodka and caviar menu. Enhancing the dinner experience is the addition of music, live performance, and dancing.
In 2008 Israyelyan partnered with Robert Vinokur to create Muse Lifestyle Group and together, they opened Playhouse Hollywood nightclub in 2009. Their collaboration gave patrons the chance to experience new and innovative concepts of restaurants and nightlife. Playhouse was voted as the #4 nightclub in the world by Reuter's and stands out as a unique venue amond the hottest nightclubs in Hollywood.
The longstanding Chi Dynasty restaurant was ready for expansion in 2010, with the help of Israyelyan. Original Owner, Jonathan Chi joined forces with Muse to expand his dynasty from his flagship location to a second restaurant in Studio City, and a third at The Americana at Brand in Glendale.
As if receiving national accolades from USA Today, being named American Armenian Businessman of the Year in 2010, and LA Business Journal's Entrepreneurs in the 20's wasn't enough, Israyelyan found the time develop an artisan water brand, EVAWATER. EVA source from wells in a mountainous region in Armenia. Distribution targets include luxury spas, hotels, clubs and fine restaurants in the United States and Europe. The inspiration for his brand stems from his youngest child and only daughter's name: Eva
As a pillar of the community, Mike's involvement over the past decade has included supporting the Hollywood Police Activity League (PAL) and Hollywood Community Housing Corporation's annual fundraiser. Israyelyan has been an active board member of the Studio City Improvement Association since 2006 and was recently honored by the California Legislature Assembly for his involvement and contributions to the community. Israyelyan resides in Studio City, CA along with his wife and three children.
