Post #15574 by Tiki Chris on Fri, Dec 6, 2002 3:46 AM

[i]On 2002-12-05 08:33, Trader Woody wrote:

On a different note, I've been wondering what the common thread is that links all the really successful Tiki Bars (Apart from the obvious - decor). The best I can come up with is the fact that most have a bar area where you are more than welcome just to have a few drinks, as well as a seperate restaurant area.

Trader Woody

i think that a success factor like that is more a common thread that links really successful restaurants/bars in general & is not exclusive to tiki bars.

but, you're right, it is a great idea (used by hip, happening one-off establishments, upper-end fancy-schmancy places, & chain restaurants like olive garden) & is very applicable to tiki bars.

as far as what distinguishes a successful tiki bar, i think the jab's post just about sums it up. but on top of what he was saying is catering to yr specific crowd.

for example, here in london we got slp & we got tv's. both, imo, are great tiki bars & both seem to be financially successful (i'm positive about tv's, not sure how slp is really doing though). i think they're both great b/c i'm really into tiki bars - i seek them out. i like high end, low end & in between. however, most patrons @ slp are not like most customers @ tv's, regardless of both establishments being of the same genre.

i know a lot of people that would like tv's & i know a lot of people that would like slp, but i only know a very few people that would really enjoy both on equal terms as tiki bars in their own rights.