How does Trader Vic's do it? - Tiki Drinks and Food

A arriano Tiki Socialite San Diego Joined: Jun 13, 2006 Posts: 1620	A arriano Posted posted on Wed, Jul 18, 2007 2:43 PM I don't know that it's the drinks that have allowed Trader Vic's to continue -- although they certainly play a big part in what TV is. Instead I think it might be two other things: International expansion Family It wasn't until very recently that Trader Vic's has been able to expand in the US again. Before that, it was pretty much on its last legs in this country with only SF and BH locations. Don the Beachcombers were never built outside of the US and as the tiki popularity waned, the restaurants closed up. And having Vic Bergeron's family involved in the business kept the TV traditions alive long enough for the pendulum to swing back for the tiki resurgence. If TV had been sold to some big conglomerate, I'm sure the restaurants would have been turned into IHOPs long ago.

I don't know that it's the drinks that have allowed Trader Vic's to continue -- although they certainly play a big part in what TV is. Instead I think it might be two other things:

International expansion
Family

It wasn't until very recently that Trader Vic's has been able to expand in the US again. Before that, it was pretty much on its last legs in this country with only SF and BH locations. Don the Beachcombers were never built outside of the US and as the tiki popularity waned, the restaurants closed up.

And having Vic Bergeron's family involved in the business kept the TV traditions alive long enough for the pendulum to swing back for the tiki resurgence. If TV had been sold to some big conglomerate, I'm sure the restaurants would have been turned into IHOPs long ago.

Post #319626 by arriano on Wed, Jul 18, 2007 2:43 PM