Post #421176 by St Tiki on Thu, Nov 27, 2008 4:32 PM

Esteemed TC Members-

I wanted to thank those of you who have responded to my post. I truly appreciate all the support and information I have received thus far. I also would like to thank those of you who have expressed concerns about the future and details of this project. I wanted to take this opportunity to respond to some of the comments I have received.

When deciding to create this place I first took a hard look at the "big" picture. Was my town ready? The answer is YES it is. I live in Ventura California, a coastal community that could both afford and identify and with a Polynesian/Tiki experience. In speaking with local patrons and business owners there has been a resounding YES as well. In a town of basic drinking bars it would be a welcomed change. I even got a ringing endorsement from the City's Tourist Bureau!

I have also looked at commercial rental costs in determining the right amount of square footage as part of my budget/versus determined operating costs. I feel that most failures start with someone not taking a hard look at the amount of money you will make per square foot. A lot of places just start entirely too big, and the overhead smothers the project. I have multiple years of working directly in the Bar/Entertainment culture and I am lucky to have a team of "seasoned" bar type professionals backing me up.

Now that my very non artistic, rough sketch is finished I need to have a pencil rendering for both the business plan and to be used for any architectural mods that will have to be made once a location is selected. I failed to mention that I have a 250K commitment from a local investor. It's funny; when you’re trying to convince someone to let you borrow that kinda money they really want a business plan showing them exactly what its going to look like and exactly where their money is going.

Its true that I am lacking in the way of funds at this time, but I asked for help on the renderings because I thought that having them done by a TIKI Enthusiast would add to the POP of the idea. Sure I could have a student at the local college do it, BUT what is he/she really into? Do they understand how it all works together. I need someone educated and most of all passionate about the cultural aspects. If I have to pay I will. I know times are tough for most of us and I like the some of us have given up "Charity" for the most part as well.

As most probably know I have spent a crazy amount of time investing into the other aspects of this project. Booze/pour costs, insurances, etc etc.The build out is going to be the most challenging out of everything because your dealing with a build out that doesnt allow you the use of a catalog to but your interior theme. I plan on outfitting the place with items that I have purchased from vendors met on this site and others like it. I plan on using vendors like Ken Pleasant and Oceanic to help with various design items.Once again I am blessed to have great tradesmen in my friend group that have obligated to the project, allowing me to save money all while getting top quality work.

I didnt want anyone to get the wrong idea about this project. I am very serious about it and there is a tremendous amount of planning that still has to be done. Thanks for all of you who have helped thus far.Its great to have a place like TC to touch base with people like all of you. It makes this journey a little less bumpy! I would imagine this process will put me into the first part of next year but I work on it everyday. Continued support would be appreciated.

Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving!!

ST TIKI