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The Hollywood Canteen originated with John Garfield who felt the need for a club dedicated to servicemen in Hollywood at the onset of WWII. He spoke with Bette Davis about this idea, who then took the idea to Jules Stein, president of the Music Corporation of America. It was their combined efforts that launched the famous wartime club. The Canteen, a former livery stable and nightclub called The Old Barn, was located at 1451 Cahuenga Boulevard, off of Sunset Boulevard. Materials for repairs and decorations and actual labor were donated by members of the fourteen guilds and unions of the entertainment industry. This included the Board of Directors of The Hollywood Canteen, with Davis as President and Garfield as Vice-President. In addition, many local artists and cartoonists painted murals on the walls.
The canteen ran the duration of World War II until after V-J Day, when it was no longer needed.
Continuing on in this tradition and spirit, the new Hollywood Canteen recognizes the need for an industry-oriented venue to entertain the 35,000 plus entertainment professionals who attend the festivities during the Sundance Film Festival.
In addition, The Hollywood Canteen is involved with a handful of other ventures during Festival Week, opening up plenty of opportunities to receive high-profile brand visibility and a positive association with a unique organization.
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