Freska Bar is a unique non-alcoholic beverage shop that recently opened on Hollywood Boulevard, just west of Highland Avenue. It is located in a standalone, single-story building adjacent to El Capitan Theatre. The store’s main attraction is its signature aguas frescas, which are Mexican cold drinks made with natural fruit. This new tenant will appeal to locals and tourists seeking a refreshing drink while they wait in line to see a show.
Freska Bar offers premium aquas frescas, which are fresh fruit flavored soft drinks. (Photo by Steven Herrera)
The previous tenant of the space at 6822 Hollywood Boulevard was TMZ Tours. After the tour office closed in December 2020, the space reverted to the owner. Michael Nazzal is the property manager of 6800 to 6822 Hollywood Boulevard, and is part owner. There was an offer from a quick service restaurant tenant, but Nazzal declined as he believed tourists would not have been impressed. “I wanted something unique to the area,” he said. “Something different that people that are coming to the Boulevard could see.”
Freska Bar had to get a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the city in order to convert the space from a tourism business to a food business. It took almost a year to obtain the CUP. After the CUP was issued, the attention turned to Freska Bar’s requirements for the space in terms of infrastructure. It took some time to transform the office space into a kitchen, and construction was underway throughout 2022. “At times, in the Summer, multiple people were peering into the space wondering when it would open,” Nazzal said.
Freska Bar is located at 6822 Hollywood Boulevard, which is adjacent to El Capitan Theatre. (Photo by Steven Herrera)
Freska Bar officially opened on November 15, 2022. The colorful signage on top of the building features images of the products. The floor-to-ceiling glass storefront allows people passing by to see the soft drinks inside. Floor space is minimal as Freska Bar is strictly a grab-and-go business.
The aquas frescas are made on-site daily. They are made with only fruit, water, and ice. A small amount of sugar is added for taste. One of the employees indicated that the frescas are made to be as all-natural and healthy as possible.
Freska Bar currently offers the following flavors: Pineapple, Watermelon, Mango, Hibiscus, Strawberry, Cucumber & Lemon, and Cantaloupe. The flavors can be mixed together, upon request. Two sizes are available: Medium (24 oz.) for $8 and Large (32 oz. Souvenir Cup) for $10. Chopped fresh fruit toppings are included. Customers can choose pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, or cucumber. Chili powder sprinkled on top of the fruit is available.
Another option included in the price is chamoy around the edge of the cup. A mixture of tamarind paste and Tajín, the sauce lends a sweet and sour flavor. According to one of the employees, when the aquas frescas are served, they look just like they do in the pictures.
Besides aguas frescas, the menu includes coffee, iced coffee, energy drinks, Gatorade, and bottled water. (Photo by Steven Herrera)
In addition to aguas frescas, the menu includes coffee, iced coffee, energy drinks, Gatorade, and bottled water. The store plans to introduce Boba drinks soon.
Due to the cold weather, Freska Bar is open Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 7:00pm. The store plans to extend its operating hours to Monday to Sunday 9:00am to 9:00pm as the temperature warms up.
Freska Bar is a unique brand offering a broad lineup of premium aquas frescas. The company has differentiated itself through the products and the experience. The new store diversifies the Hollywood landscape, and brings a source of refreshing fruit drinks to the neighborhood.