Post #524877 by Shangri-lodger on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 9:43 AM

I can tell you exactly why they are closing for five months: Union busting. I went to Vic's last night. I spoke with several staff members and regular patrons. Apparently, the staff was called in for a general meeting and summarily told that as of the closing date they would be unemployed. Every last one from the captains down to the dishwasher. No severance, no keeping people on, no transfers. Just:" you are done, your job here is over." The restaurant is not just "closing for renovations", the restaurant WILL BE CLOSED. As such, after four months, all union contracts will expire. Thus, ALL employees who want to return MUST REAPPLY. This is morally bankrupt. I truly fear what the "Design Team and Beverage Squad" will do to the restaurant. I expect the idea of fine dining will be thrown out the window in favour of the creeping miasma of McVic's. Do not trust the corporate staff. One look at the "Mai Tai Lounge" web-page should be a huge, bloody red flag that these people have zero idea about the cultural history of polynesian pop, tiki, Americana, gourmet food, or anything else you can think of. Furthermore, their track record with recent locations is absolutely pathetic. Can anyone explain to me how none of these "executives" couldn't realize that Golden Gate and Van Ness was an abysmal location for a restaurant (Stars was thirty years ago when the City was whole different place). I never made it to the Seattle location because it WAS NOT IN SEATTLE! Bellevue, WTF! I did make it to Dallas. I specifically made the three hour drive to visit it. I am glad I did because as we all know it is NOW CLOSED! How can this happen? We know the pain and loss of Beverly Hills. No need to beat that dead horse, but last time I checked, the building is standing. The "executives" that are either behind or acquiesce to these decisions are the very same people who are now "in charge" of "renovating" Emeryville. Design Team, my ass! Blatant union-busting tactics and a pathetic, rudderless desire to be Bennigans with fruity drinks.
TIKI-CENTRALITES: DO NOT LET THIS GO WITHOUT STAKING YOUR GROUND!