The Brown Derby Plaza used to be...
The Brown Derby Restaurant
In 1926, the Derby Restaurant as opened on Alexandria & Wilshire Blvd. The restaurant was part of a chain that was started by Robert H. Cobb & Herbert Somborn. It was replaced by a shopping center and the domed structure of the restaurant was saved and incorporated into the 3d floor of the plaza. It is said that the design of the The Brown Derby was inspired by the hat worn by New York Governor & 1928 Democratic Party presidential candidate, Al Smith.