Post #749099 by TongaT on Wed, Aug 12, 2015 7:14 PM

Branden and the golden tiki -

I apologize if the review of the soft opening came off "brutally honest" I would not want to crush the spirit of anybody that was obviously showing so much passion on what they were doing as you and you team clearly were.....

As has already been said by others since you posted a response - I think it's awesome how much you paid attention to everything being said - I also think it's great that it sounds like most of what I thought were issues you already were concerned with or making changes to correct.

I did not take any of your explanations as "excuses" and everything you explained really makes sense to what I was seeing.....I honestly came down for the soft opening to avoid any craziness and thought I was coming right at open so I could check it out before it got crazy for the night....now knowing that there had been a private party going since 6 puts everything in perspective. I did not expect everything to be perfect being a soft opening and was understanding on that part but was confused how it got so behind at exactly opening time. I now understand.

A few explanations that were not needed, and to clarify for anybody that has not been there -- the quality of the design and the build and the attention to detail in the overall space is amazing.....when I say I walk in and feel like the hostess station looks straight out of jungle cruise I meant that 100% as a compliment to the detail that was put into it.....and everything that was completed I felt was fully up to a Disney level of showmanship. I would say that gambling screen is a detail I would omit and it sounds like you agree, but I also understand that you are in Vegas. I had nothing bad to say about the quality of the space (of what was completed) I was just a bit bummed I couldn't check it all out with it being so crazy.

Also I had a bit of a hidden compliment on the people in there which I want to pull out a little bit....everyone we interacted with was nice, when I went to cancel my order and told our serving we were leaving she did not brush us off, she was very apologetic....everybody I saw was working hard and seemed like good people. To still come off positive in that situation says a lot about them, I said I felt bad for them and I did but only because I could tell they were trying so hard and it wasn't working out, I would have not complained about anybody's service that night....and that's with still not having a drink at my table after an hour and a half.

Sounds like in hind site you would have like to have waited to open until you were 100% complete and could put on the whole show so I really can't say more about that....first impressions.....can't really ever change those, you can however tinker and adjust to make sure the 2nd impression makes up for the first, it seems like you are going in that direction.....you already have the two important parts, a beautifully designed and built space and great people.

I will at some point be giving you that second chance for sure (and I'm excited to hear you were working on a house mug) and I would encourage anybody else that makes it to Vegas to check it out as well.
I did not spend anything at your place so no refund is necessary (she was running a tab for me but had not cashed anything out before we left) but I appreciate that offer. Unfortunately I will not be able to cross paths with you at tiki oasis as I am only being able to make it to the kick off tomorrow at Bali Hai due to work events and does not look like I will be able to check out your grand opening, as much as I really want to, as it's looking I will most likely have other work travel plans. I will however take you up on a round of drinks when I am able to back to Vegas, can't promise when it will be as getting the time off to get out there for the soft opening was a rarity, but I promise I will at some point.

Thanks again for your attention and passion I wish everybody running a business was this dedicated.