Post #513284 by Chip and Andy on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 9:48 PM

On 2010-02-24 21:08, Tom Slick wrote:...I really just wanted to hear what other TC'ers thought about this "experiment".

That is a much simpler question to ask and to answer....

I love it!

I think its brilliant!

I hope the concept works and that they take over the market and crush out the Applebees and Cheesecake Factories all across America.

I do NOT think it is a watered down concept of Tiki, Trader Vics, Poly-Pop, or Fine Dining. I do not think it diminishes the existing Flag Ship locations at all or in any way. Unless or until they open an Island Bar and Grill near/behind/next to a Flag Ship location there is no connection in anyone's mind about what one is and the other is or isn't.

This first Proof-of-Concept location is in a small city and NOT in a major metro area. That is telling in so many ways that you are not seeing.... Having an Island Bar and Grill in smaller cities across the nation spreads the Trader Vics name much further than the few Flag Ship Locations that exist now.

You disagree, and that's great. You also live near a Flagship Location and therefore have no need or interest in the Island Bar and Grill. And as was pointed out, your major hang up seems to be with the name of the place.... to put it very bluntly, get over it. It doesn't matter and all of this talk is just so we can feel like we're doing something about something. If your not supporting your local bars, tiki or otherwise, your not going to have them for long. If you want to make sure the Flag Ship Trader Vic locations stay open and stay true to whatever your expecting of them you better start evangelizing for them, getting people to go, to spend their money, and most importantly is for them to do the same.