Post #326065 by tikiyaki on Thu, Aug 16, 2007 12:05 PM

On 2006-12-01 00:23, tikibars wrote:
The manager of the Big Island location told me (in September) that the Royal Lahaina is undergoing a major renovation into 2007, but that no less than $5 million was being slated for a huge and major Don the Beachcomber location.

If you've seen the one on Big Island, you probably have a clue what we're in for.

A nice effort, but you can bet that the A-frame roof and all vintageness will be gone.

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion just yet. Whomever bought the Don the Beachcomber name (his name is HOGAN, that's all I know) seems to really be into keeping it real. The Don's in KONA pretty much added to the existing restaurant that was there....the original Tikis and Carved style cement poles are still intact from the Royal Kona restaurant that preceded it, which had lots of Tiki elements. Even the cool geometric pattern carpet is still there.

Don's just moved in, and added to it.

I spoke to the BI manager as well, and asked him about the owner, and he said he's really into tiki. So I would bet that he's fighting to keep the A-Frame. He's also planning on going nationwide, so let's hope he does, so every major city has a DTB we can visit, instead of say, a Chili's.

Think about it...if you spent all this money to buy the "Don the beachcomber" name, you'd HAVE to have some sort of grasp as to what Tiki is about, and at least be a minor tikiphile.
It isn't exactly a household name these days.

Of course, the hotel will more than likely want to knock down the A-Frame, which is what to be concerned about.