Post #128158 by FreakBear on Tue, Nov 30, 2004 10:01 PM

Look to other successes as examples, not necessarily Tiki bars. Think about what makes them work.
A friend of a friend of mine runs a blues bar. The atmosphere is modest and comfortable. "Blues" covers a pretty wide range of genres/sub-genres so it's not tough to book good acts. They also have a good variety of beer and liquor. The location is mediocre but accessible with descent parking. This combination loyally brings in a pretty broad yet sophisticated demographic, mid- 20's on up, and puts creative control in the hands of the management rather than the lowest common denomenator (sp?).

With this in mind, I came up with with a basic formula. Set out to open a Jazz club, a solid venue for jazz, lounge, world-music... the essence of exotica yet open to a range of genres. Stock the bar well and staff an ambitious tender or two. Layout the interior with attention to ergonomics and usability. Last but not least, pile on the tiki! You'll get the average Tiki enthusiast while pulling the slack with a broader, sophisticated, upscale demographic.