Post #422878 by leleliz on Tue, Dec 9, 2008 1:12 PM

Although I have only lived in the bay area for a few years the reason I could see why business may not be booming is because SF has such an influx of places to dine and drink. I don't think that has to do so much with the lack of support from TCers--more with how many options people have as to where to spend their dollars. I am not sure what sort of marketing the Fairmont has done to remind the public that they still have such a great place in their hotel , but it might be a good thing to overhaul to bring in the crowds.

I meet people all the time who have lived in this area years longer than I have and it amazes me that they have no idea that The Tonga Room , and even Forbidden Island for that matter, exist.

On one hand its great to keep these gems low key to avoid huge crowds of people, but on the other hand sometimes you have to market to the masses to bring in the dollars. For a venue like Forbidden Island the fact that its tucked away and always busy (at least when I drink there) is a good indication that they have a great following and word of mouth to fill their bar.

For the Tonga Room they seem to not be so lucky. Maybe after its saved (and it will be I hope!) their marketing strategy needs to be revamped.

Just an outsiders thought :)