Post #303331 by Tom Slick on Tue, May 1, 2007 3:42 PM

The response from Marie, and below that is the OFFICIAL press release

Dear Tom -- I represent Oasis West who owns The Beverly Hilton and Clay Doherty representing Trader Vic’s, Inc. asked me to forward you the press release on the relocation of Trader Vic's to the pool at The Beverly Hilton.

I also understand that you had a question on the timing of the relocation.

As you know, Oasis West made a decision almost two years ago to close Trader Vic's, the timing was undecided at that time. But after the completion of our new Circa 55 restaurant and discussions with the community and Trader Vic’s, Inc. – we began working with Trader Vic’s, Inc to find a way to keep Trader Vic’s at The Beverly Hilton.

Just like our entire renovation of The Beverly Hilton, we have tried to honor the things that people love about the hotel’s past while bringing The Beverly Hilton into the 21st Century. We believe the relocation of Trader Vic’s by the pool is the right balance between the past and the future. We have brought some of the key elements of the original restaurant into a new island-inspired poolside atmosphere.

In terms of timing, we have tried to balance many important priorities for our employees, our guests and the hotel operations.

One, to finalize an agreement with Trader Vic’s and creating a compelling new Lounge.
Two, to make sure that we took care of our employees and honored our union contract.
Three, we needed to have our new hotel restaurant, Circa 55, up and running. And;
Four, we wanted to minimize the guest impact of any relocation or disruption in service at Trader Vic’s and be ready before our important summer season. To that end, we are opening Trader Vic's Lounge this Thursday, May 3rd at its new poolside location.

We are excited about the new poolside Trader Vic’s Lounge which will bring memorable elements of the original Trader Vic’s restaurant, the same signature drink and appetizer menu, drink vessels and key staff. We hope you will come by and see for yourself.

Hope this answers your questions.

Marie Garvey

####################OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE############################
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 30, 2007
Media Contact:
Marie Garvey, Garvey Communications
310-689-7490
[email protected]

THE BEVERLY HILTON TRADER VIC’S TO RELOCATE

Restaurant Moves Poolside as the Final Stage of Hotel Renovation

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Trader Vic’s Restaurant Group and Oasis West Realty, LLC, owner of The Beverly Hilton, announced today the relocation of Trader Vic’s to The Beverly Hilton pool area as the new Trader Vic’s Lounge, which will open on May 3, 2007. The updated Polynesian themed indoor/outdoor Trader Vic’s finalizes the comprehensive renovation of the 570-room hotel located on the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards in Beverly Hills, California.

“This begins a new chapter for Trader Vic’s and The Beverly Hilton,” said Beny Alagem, of Oasis West Realty. “Like our entire renovation, we have taken steps to honor what people love about the hotel’s exciting past while bringing The Beverly Hilton into 21st Century. We believe that guests and residents will love Trader Vic’s new location with memorable features from the original restaurant in a new poolside island-inspired atmosphere.”

The new Trader Vic’s Lounge will be located next to the new Circa 55 restaurant and the Aqua Star pool area. The menu will feature Trader Vic’s signature drinks including the world-famous Mai Tai, invented by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, the Scorpion Bowl and appetizer plates that are ideal for sharing with friends.

“We are pleased that the popularity of Trader Vic’s continues to grow around the globe, ” said Robert Davies, President and CEO of Trader Vic’s. “Our loyal patrons and hotel guests can be assured that while the atmosphere may be more casual, our new Beverly Hills offering will continue to reflect the finest of our company’s island-style service and culinary quality.”
The Trader Vic’s Lounge will open at the pool area on May 3, 2007 and the existing restaurant will close on April 30, 2007. Signature interior elements from the existing Trader Vic’s restaurant will be relocated to the new Trader Vic’s Lounge.

About Trader Vic’s Inc.
Founded in 1934, Trader Vic’s Inc. is a group of company-owned and franchised restaurants. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Trader Vic’s has locations stretching from the United States to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information visit http://www.tradervics.com.

Media Contact for Trader Vic’s Restaurant Group: Clay Doherty, Hollenbeck Associates 415-227-1150 ext. 13 or [email protected].

About The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California 90210 (310) 274-7777 http://www.beverlyhilton.com

Opened in 1955 by distinguished hotelier Conrad Hilton, The Beverly Hilton has combined the excitement and entertainment of Hollywood with the elegance of Beverly Hills for over 50 years. Located at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the 570-room hotel features 101 suites including the nine private luxury suites within The Penthouse Collection. With more than 60,000 square feet of upscale indoor and open-air event space all on the lobby level, the hotel's famed International Ballroom is the centerpiece of the new International Collection. Home of many notable annual events including the Golden Globe Awards(r), Oscar Nominee Luncheon and the Milken Institute's Global Conference, The Beverly Hilton offers three award-winning ballrooms, nine additional meeting rooms, an Executive Meeting Center with unrivaled AVT Event Technology to make any meeting a success.

Owned by entertainer, Merv Griffin from 1987 to 2003, Beny Alagem and Oasis West Realty LLC purchased the Beverly Hilton in late 2003. Immediately embarking on an $80 million reinvention of the property, Oasis West Realty redefined the luxury hotel to a level of sophistication synonymous with the Beverly Hills

[ Edited by: Tom Slick 2007-05-01 15:46 ]