Post #436970 by midnite on Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:21 AM

Escapism is ultimately what many of us come here for but to ignore something that really impacts all of us seems kinda silly

Good point, have to agree. TC, and tiki in general, has always been escapism for me, it's by nature a place to get away from "it". Obviously, it's been a place where the hot-button issues and concomitant internet rock-throwing has fortunately been kept to a real minimum by HL. The current economic conditions are a different animal and do directly relate to our enjoyment of it all. The seemingly now regular closing of Vic's franchises or the current Tonga Room saga is all the proof one needs.

The principle of a self-fulfilling downturn is prominent. Consumer confidence is cratered, people are in "bunker mode". Optimism is tough to find and the willingness to spend on luxuries of any nature at this point is subordinate to the realities of job insecurity and one's 401...rather 201k. One would think it is the best time for escapism, especially if it involves some good cocktails, but I am not sure. My hope is the best places can hang in there and weather this storm.

I cannot help but draw some real comparisons to the current economic situation and to those that existed at the end of the tiki era in the early/mid 1970's. It seems the same circumstances and maladies that helped end that period are looming now. I'd say we could just rely on the Chinese to bail us out, but they did not take too well to the Trader Vic's franchises in their own country.

If nothing else it's making me appreciate what we have even moreso.

Could be worse, could be raining!
midnite