The Azoff Restaurant Group began in 2019 when entertainment powerhouses Shelli and Irving Azoff learned that the landmark Beverly Hills restaurant Nate ’n Al’s Delicatessen planned to close its doors after 70 years of service. Around the very same time, word had spread that the longtime owner of another iconic LA treasure, The Apple Pan, was planning to retire and hoping to find someone to take over operations. The Azoffs, who themselves and their children had grown up frequenting both restaurants, knew that they could not sit by and let such beloved pieces of LA history disappear. They stepped in to ensure that these iconic restaurants live on and continue to serve generations to come.

 
 
 
 
 
Picture of Irving and Shelli
 
 

IRVING AZOFF

Irving Azoff is a name that has become synonymous with the entertainment industry. From his earliest days when Irving began promoting and booking bands during his University of Illinois college years to his success as an agent, personal manager, concert promoter, movie producer, independent record label owner, merchandiser, music publisher, and record company CEO, he has always put his unique stamp on his accomplishments.

Mr. Azoff holds the title of Chairman and CEO of The Azoff Company and is the personal manager of the legendary Eagles, who he has managed since 1974, Jon Bon Jovi, Gwen Stefani, Harry Styles, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Journey, Van Halen, entertainer Chelsea Handler, and many others.

The Azoff Company, founded in 2018, is a privately held media and entertainment company dedicated to investing in positively disruptive businesses that put artists and fans first. The company is based in Los Angeles and has a portfolio that includes Full Stop Management, one of the world’s leading music management companies; Global Music Rights, a performance rights company transforming that space in favor of its songwriter clients; Oak View Group, a company focused on the sports and entertainment venue industry; and Lane One, a premium experience company. Additionally, the Azoff Company has a consultancy relationship with the Madison Square Garden Company with respect to the Forum, the MSG Sphere initiative and other matters.

Previously, he served as Chairman and CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment and Executive Chairman of Live Nation Entertainment and CEO of Front Line Management, the world’s largest music management firm, until his resignation on December 31, 2012.

 

SHELLI AZOFF

Shelli Azoff has been involved in the entertainment industry for most of her adult life. A California native, she was born and raised in North Hollywood.

Early in her career, Shelli became an agent to several players on the US National Soccer Team.  When the team qualified for the 1990 World Cup, she was a major proponent on the players’ behalf. While nobody else would, Mrs. Azoff, without prior experience, became a very successful agent to many of them for more than 10 years. She was instrumental in helping soccer become what it is in America today.  

Mrs. Azoff was the driving force behind the $150 million 2013 remodel of the iconic Los Angeles venue, the Fabulous Forum, which she went on to run for several years. Her imagination and style in designing and developing the Forum to be the ultimate artist-friendly arena has set the standard that all other venues strive to emulate.

In 2011, Shelli and her husband, Irving, were the first couple honored with the Spirit of Life Award, saluting those that exemplify the ideals and values that guide City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. As with everything else Shelli does, she curated a memorable and creative evening raising a record amount of money that people still talk about. In 2018, she hosted a charity poker tournament at the Forum, which raised nearly $1 million to benefit the City of Hope.

Shelli has a very busy and full life, both personally and professionally. She and Irving have been married for over 41 years, and have raised a beautiful family, with whom she spends a lot of her downtime. She always talks about how lucky and grateful she is for all that she has.  Mrs. Azoff is the founder and managing Partner of The Azoff Restaurant Group that features Los Angeles’ iconic restaurants, Nate n’ Al’s and The Apple Pan.