Hawaiian Paradise was a pre-tiki venue that opened at 7566 Melrose Avenue on April 7, 1937. The owners were Bill Calhoun, George Mason and Lorena “Rena” Rogers. Rogers was an ex-actress and, from 1916 to 1941, wife of actor-turned-director Frank Borzage. After giving up acting, Rena took many trips to Hawaii, and back in Hollywood would throw huge Polynesian-themed parties with singers and hula dancers to entertain.
The restaurant served both Continental and "Island" cuisine. As of 1937, they also boasted a new all-glass roof for "year round starlight dancing".
Hawaiian Paradise celebrated its 1-year anniversary on April 7, 1938. Later that year, Mason was out; Rena and Bill Calhoun remained owners. By 1939 Calhoun alone was the face of Hawaiian Paradise, now known as “Hawaiian Paradise Isle.” In February 1940, it became the Hawaiian Paradise Ballroom, a last gasp of the tropical theme.
Later that year, 7566 Melrose became the latest outlet of “Club 41” fronted by George Distel, and was closed by the courts for multiple violations of State liquor laws. In 1947 the building was remodeled as the Horton Dance Theater.
This location has been home to many businesses over the years.
The Drake Theatre was opened here on March 26, 1970, initially screening straight adult movies, it went over to gay male adult movies in around 1975/1976.
In 1977 the Drake Theatre was listed in the Bob Damron Address Book as operating as a gay male adult theatre. It was later known as the Aladdin Theatre, operating into the 1980’s.
After closing it became an adult bookstore & video store, which closed in early-2008.
Most recently, this spot was home to "Orange Bone" a dog salon and boutique store, which closed in 2023.