Legendary karaoke bar Dimples closing its doors

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- For 33 years, Dimples has been a Burbank institution. Boasting itself as the first karaoke bar in America, it's been hosting celebrities and lay singers alike. It's even been known to host ABC7 sports anchor Rob Fukuzaki.

It all started when owner Sal Ferraro went to a lookalike party that had an early version of a karaoke machine.

"I went to the party and they had one and they were playing it. I said, "Geez, what a good thing for my bar, my new bar,'" Ferraro said.

And the rest as they say is history. But sometime early next year, Dimples will be history, turning off the microphone for the final time to be replaced by condos and a Whole Foods.

"It's very sad. It's devastating," said bartender Kim Snow. "It's just one of a kind. It's so unique. You can come here by yourself, with a group of friends and just to be entertained. Everybody just has so much fun here."

The news of Dimples closing has already drawn folks who want to get up on stage one last time.

Meanwhile, Ferraro vows Dimples will reopen somewhere.

"I'm looking, and if anybody on the air knows of an empty restaurant, let me know," Ferraro said.

Visit the Burbank landmark before it closes at 3413 West Olive Avenue.