Post #163636 by Ryukyu on Sat, Jun 4, 2005 6:24 PM

Just an observation about TV and the state of the genre. I've read the numerous posts defending the new SF location against any and all detractors. It's too bad we have to defend TV, but as they are the last of the "big dogs" we have no choice. After recent visits to TV locations in Tokyo and Bangkok, it's interesting to see what they've become. If you look at their growth over the last quarter century, you'll see it has been mainly targeted in the Middle East where 5-star hotel operators cared more about drawing in customers with international brand names then with stellar food & beverage establishments. TV could be so much more but they've succumbed to the profit motive and sold the name to the highest bidder. Just look at the new SF location. It took over 100 investors just to finance the opening. This versus an active restaurant company who believes in their brand. With a name and history like Trader Vic's there should be one location in every town, but somewhere along the way the ideal got lost. Imagine the Trader Vic's name and bar menu, with food on the level of say Roy's with a South Pacific Officer's Club themed interior and you would have a great operation that could make it anywhere. Sorry for my ramblings but I wish there was someone else we could champion. I wonder who controls the rights to the Don the Beachcomber name....maybe it could be done right there!