Post #579636 by corrinnao on Wed, Mar 9, 2011 7:08 PM

Thanks for all the great advice on this post everyone! I'm planning to open a tiki bar in Toronto and could use the support and encouragement as it's my first time opening a bar.
I think as far as filling a need in the community, I'll be okay; there seems to never be enough bars downtown, especially ones where you can sit and talk at a reasonable level on a weekend.
I definitely intend to serve high quality drinks with fresh ingredients but being in Canada, I'll have to serve beer too. Canucks like their beer!
I also intend to have bands play and have theme nights/events every day of the week.

I think my biggest concerns though are the insurance and decor.
Has anyone here that currently owns or has owned a tiki bar had any issues with fire insurance? I've spoke to a lot of people that say I'm going to have problems with serving flaming drinks in a grass mat and fabric clad environment.

Also, does anyone have any advice where I can get tiki carvings, fabric for the walls, glass floats, decent nets and ropes etc. that are either in Canada or close to Buffalo? As much as I would love to, I don't know if it's feasible to haul out a van load of goodies from Oceanic Arts...

any other advice you have for me will also be gratefully appreciated too!

mahalo!