Don the Beachcomber purchased by Florida group

Big tiki news afoot! I know nothing about this group, but I've long argued that the Don The Beachcomber brand was far too valuable to stay dormant.https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2022/08/19/don-beachcomber-brand-23-restaurant-services.html

Hey cut and past the article here as this link is to a pay site.

On IG and FB I've had conversations with folks tangentially connected to this. They insist folks with genuine interest in tiki are involved with this, and this incarnation of Don's won't be like the Tiki Docks this group operates. We shall see.

By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer – Real Estate Editor, Tampa Bay Business Journal Aug 19, 2022

A Tampa-based hospitality company has acquired the intellectual property of an iconic California restaurant brand.

Marc Brown, president of 23 Restaurant Services, told the Tampa Bay Business Journal that the company has finalized a deal to purchase the Don the Beachcomber brand from Delia Snyder, who had owned it since 2003. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Snyder had worked for Donn Beach, aka Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who founded the brand after his travels in the South Pacific and is widely considered the founding father of modern-day tiki culture.

23 Restaurant Services is the parent company of Ford’s Garage, Tiki Docks and Yeoman’s Cask and Lion. Some aspects of the Don the Beachcomber brand will be incorporated into Tiki Docks locations, and 23 Restaurant Services is also looking for stand-alone sites for the concept, Brown said.

Storytelling is a major part of Ford’s Garage, a casual dining concept with the feel of a 1920s service station and a focus on American automobile culture. Tiki Docks will be one platform for sharing the history and life of Don the Beachcomber.

“Admittedly, when we built Tiki Docks, I didn’t have the full understanding of tiki culture,” Brown said. “I think we’ve built a good product with Tiki Docks, but I don’t think it represents the history of tiki as well as it could. This will allow us to get really authentic with it.”

The acquisition includes the brand’s closely held cocktail recipes. Some Tiki Docks locations — there are restaurants open in Riverview and South St. Petersburg and locations in the works in Madeira Beach, suburban Orlando and on the Space Coast — will have Don the Beachcomber bars within them, Brown said.

It’s too soon, Brown said, to say what the ideal prototype for new Don the Beachcomber locations will look like, though 23 Restaurant Services is actively looking at sites.

“There will be some symmetries between the two,” Brown said of Tiki Docks and Don the Beachcomber. “But we’re really raising the authenticity of both brands.”

Very interesting. Thanks for posting this, Jayme. I'll need to double check, but I believe my sister and brother-in-law visited Tiki Docks when in Tampa last year.

Hamo, as I understand it, Tiki Docks is more of a thatch beach bar, the kind of thing that drives us tiki folk nuts. The CEO of the group admits they didn't get tiki when they opened Tiki Docks. I've seen elsewhere from folks involved that skepticisim is understandable, but they are planning to do DTB right. So we shall see. I've heard from others their Garage concept is a well done food and craft beer concept. All we can do is hurry up and wait.

Well I guess this means that Delia's plan to reopen a Don's here again is DOA, of course that was before the Pandemic, Bamboo Ben may know more as he had been in contact with her for awhile, "They insist folks with genuine interest in tiki are involved with this" well I have heard this time and time again and not once did it work out as promised, so.....

I love it when on American pickers somebody sells them something and they say "I'm just glad it's going to you because you really care about the thing they sold them"

Ha! they care about the markup they put on that thing when they sell it.

Bet they care more about making money than the tiki part and I'm not sure the whole real old-style tiki we like is what sells these days.

More like pretty tiki with loud rap at the end of the night.

But hey they need to make money, so I do get that kinda.

Good luck new people hope it works out.

Once the 1-year mark passed with no word of relocation, I figured the Huntington Beach incarnation of Don's was DOA. New ownership was the best we could hope for. This group has a mixed track record. The best we can do is hope they're sincere and see what they come up with. I won't hold my breath, but I've been pleasantly surprised in the past.

I guess my concern (beyond the issue of doing a good job) is if this is just going to be a Florida thing, or will they take this opportunity to have a West Coast presence for their company?

I, for one, welcome out new spambot member...

Saw the new announcement today from 23 Restaurant Services. Gives me hope, may have to wait for a SoCal location, but still hope!

Rawim, I agree that it would be great to have a Don the Beachcomber back in southern CA. I very much miss the Don's in Seal Beach...that was where I would go several times a week, but, SoCal is pretty lucky that we have some great Tiki Bars in the area.

That advisory board strikes me as custom-tailored specifically to address the skepticism I and others have voiced with regard to 23 Restaurants' ability to do tiki correctly. If nothing else, it shows they are listening and care about public perception. Reading the tea leaves of those involved, I can offer the following baseless speculation with confidence:

Marie King: Well-known tiki cocktail veteran that gives them ties to the most recent incarnation of Donn's on the mainland.

Sven Kirsten: Big Bro Tiki knows all the history, has all the receipts. From his involvement I would hazard that this new Donn's incarnation would harken back the original, pre-tiki concept with more of a flotsam & jetsam beachcomber aesthetic, as opposed to the more tiki-centric decor of Stephen Crane's Kon-Tiki or Trader Vic's.

John Mulder: We know who has the contract to produce their bespoke mugs.

Tim Glazner: His forthcoming Donn Beach bio will be available in the gift shop and online. Sweet deal for Swanky!

Tiki Diablo: Likely on retainer. Will most probably oversee the design and decor. Danny's distinctive carvings will represent the bulk of actual tikis on display.

Martin Cate: The new Donn the Beachcomber's will have a rum selection second to none, with a well-reasoned but utterly confusing classification system.

Orlando seems an inevitable choice for the first location. Were I a betting man, I'd say they'll try to thread the needle and come up with a concept that finds a sweet spot between the tiki restaurants of yesteryear--the original Donn's, Trader Vic's, Kon-Tiki (ie big with expensive overhead)--and the many popular bars of the tiki renaissance (ie tiny, low overhead but 21+ only). That indicates something with a footprint akin to fast casual places such as Chili's or Applebee's, that balance a bar program with integrated food service. I don't think the look or vibe will resemble Chili's or Applebee's, only that the business model and location size may track along similar parameters. Broadly speaking, more than 50% of revenue needs to come from food service to avoid 21+ restrictions (rules may vary state to state). The other potential model they could pursue is the Rainforest Cafe approach, but I don't see anything in the 23 Restaurants background that indicates this is where they would go.

The Orlando location would be used to refine the business model and work out the kinks. Once they're satisfied with stable revenue, Tampa, Jacksonville and/or Miami would be obvious expansion candidates. Those are within 23 Restaurants' geographic footprint so would make logistical sense in working out expansion plans. After that, anything's possible. They could expand radially, setting up shop in Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, Nashville, Memphis. They could hopscotch to population centers under-served by tiki. They might try to duplicate Orlando and stick to cities with major tourism. Or they could swing for the bleachers and go into New York, LA and Chicago. It depends on what they think gives them the best chance for continued financial success. Of course, if their first restaurants are a hit, franchising could be a way to rapidly expand.

Absolutely nothing I've written here is based on any insight or private knowledge. it's purely speculative on my part. But I'm quite curious to see how much I may have guessed right on, and how much I have gotten wildly wrong...

[ Edited by Prikli Pear on 2023-02-23 14:09:45 ]

[ Edited by Prikli Pear on 2023-02-23 14:10:07 ]

A new story on The Atomic Grog features renderings and video of one of the new locations, plus more info on the plans ... https://wp.me/p1xHjT-7d7

Marie King did a live stream with @polynesianpop and she said that:
the renders with "tiki docks" are old and that these will be labeled a DtB locations
definitely coming to west coast and other places outside the Southeast over time
each location will have it's own menu, so that a place like New Orleans would have NOLA specific cocktails

Thanks for that update, Kevin! Branding those locations DtB makes sense as the name has a lot more national recognition than Tiki Docks. I missed that livestream, darn it. Any idea if it'll make his podcast?

Mahalo Kevin! I've heard that updated renderings for the Hamlin location will be released soon.

Haven't listened yet, and not sure if it's the same as what Kevin was referring to, but here's Adrian's most recent podcast with Marie:

https://www.desertoasisroom.com/post/216-marie-king

Thanks for the article, Jim; very informative.

We met the crew and sampled some tasty cocktails at The Hukilau in June ...

They promise to reveal many new details during a presentation at Tiki Oasis in August ...

https://www.tikioasis.com/seminars/friday/

Something popped up in my Facebook feed this morning about this, and there is a website for the new Don the Beachcombers dtb1932.com

They are saying "Fall of 2023" for opening the first one, at the Cambria Hotel in Madeira Beach, Florida 15015 Madeira Way, Suite 100 Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Two additional locations are planned for 2024 openings.

Thanks for the update and link, Jiminy! I have heard that some DTB elements/cocktails have already been introduced to existing Tiki Docks locations. Once the standalone DTB opens we'll have a much better baseline from which to evaluate.

had not heard this was in the works. the Madeira Beach hotel website does not indicate that their DtB location is open yet. looking forward to checking it out soon hopefully

First new Don the Beachcomber location on track to open in January 2024

From The Atomic Grog blog

The much-anticipated re-launch of the iconic Don the Beachcomber brand will kick off in early 2024, when the first of several new restaurants will open in Florida. All indications point to a January grand opening in Madeira Beach on the southwest Gulf Coast.

The indoor-outdoor space on the ground floor of the waterfront Cambria Hotel was originally scheduled to open in November or December. The Don the Beachcomber website currently says "early 2024." A hotel reservation agent said that staff had been told that a January opening is probable, though no firm date is known.

The space is still under construction, so more delays are possible. However, management started seeking employees several weeks ago, and photos shared on social media show the interior decor nearing the final stages of installation.

See the full story on the new location and its opening next year, plus renderings and plans for future expansion at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/12/14/exclusive-first-new-don-the-beachcomber-location-on-track-to-open-in-january-2024/

Our own Aloah Station, Tom is part of the crew building it.

Mind: blown! Beautiful work!

Update, they're now looking at dates in February for the grand opening in Madeira Beach ...

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/12/14/exclusive-first-new-don-the-beachcomber-location-on-track-to-open-in-january-2024/

Don the Beachcomber was the No. 2 story of 2023. Check out the full list on The Atomic Grog, plus two new cocktail recipes ...

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/01/18/top-10-stories-of-2023-tiki-resurgence-and-appreciation-breathes-life-into-year-marked-by-loss/

BREAKING NEWS: Revived Don the Beachcomber brand opens first location in southwest Florida

The historic Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar concept re-launches this week in Madeira Beach, the first of several locations planned for Florida over the next several years. Preview the food and drink menus, get more info on the grand opening at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/02/21/new-don-the-beachcomber-brand-opens-first-restaurant-in-southwest-florida/

LIVE COVERAGE & REVIEW: Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success

If there were any doubts that the inaugural "next gen" restaurant and tropical bar would not live up to the high standards of its namesake, they were quickly put to rest during the launch in Madeira Beach.

Go to The Atomic Grog for everything you need to know about the revival of the iconic brand, including opening-day photos, menus and food/drink recommendations, decor details, tips and tricks, a new cocktail recipe, plus more!

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/02/28/don-the-beachcomber-grand-opening-in-florida-is-a-smashing-success/

This place is amazing, and we are so cynical of New Tiki. But the atmosphere & the drinks are done right, beyond right, it's just so wonderful and in the most perfect location to boot -- a minute away from Treasure Island, our long-loved mid-century Florida mecca, and of course the initial namesake of Sunken Studios. This DtB not only breathes new life in American tiki, but it does a great thing for Tampa Bay, which had long been a tiki and retro treasure cache, but due to near-complete local indifference has suffered muchly in the past 20 years. This is a good and positive improvement, and one we are very happy to see. There's so many amazing vintage treasures within just a few miles of DtB, so we can see that as a great location for some sort of Tiki/Retro convention!

We interviewed Marie King about it in the days before the grand opening, here's the story.

There's a link to a 4k version of the interview at the bottom...

[ Edited by mike and marie on 2025-01-15 19:14:44 ]

BREAKING NEWS: Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida

Everything you need to know about the expansion of the iconic restaurant brand, including a full recap and photos from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, plus new renderings and info on the new sites.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/04/25/don-the-beachcomber-announces-new-bar-concept-three-upcoming-locations-in-florida/

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan's Cove speakeasy in Tampa

The revival of the iconic brand has entered a new chapter with the opening of the first Gantt Reserve Collection bar. Check out my sneak peek, including an exclusive look at the menu, review of the cocktails, an interview with designer Tiki Diablo, plus more!

Story at AtomicGrog or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/07/19/photos-video-don-the-beachcomber-launches-morgans-cove-speakeasy-in-tampa/

NEW: Florida Tiki weathers an unwelcome 2024 hurricane season, poised for promising 2025

Many of those affected by the storms have emerged stronger than ever, Don the Beachcomber reopening planned for early next year.

Story at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/12/09/florida-tiki-weathers-an-unwelcome-2024-hurricane-season-poised-for-promising-2025/

I remember a bartender at Morgan's Cove telling me that the water damage they took was so extensive they were debating re-opening it as a Tiki Docks, which doesn't require nearly as much ambitious theming. That was before the post Hurricane Hayward made saying they were planning to re-open in January, and DTB still has an Instagram post up saying they were planning to re-open, but I suspect the bartender was right: the Madeira Beach location is no longer listed on DTB's website, and has now appeared on the Tiki Docks website as a new "Coming Soon" location for them.

Somewhat more ominously, the Locations menu that was on the DTB website a month ago is actually completely gone now, and the site gives no indications that there's anything to the brand now other than the Gantt Reserve Collection and the online merchandise store. I'm hoping this doesn't bode ill for the flagship Hamlin location that was planned for later this year...

I would not read too much into website changes. I have no reason to believe Don the Beachcomber isn't reopening early this year. Maybe someone should take a ride by there and check it out.

I'm sure we'll hear all about it at Inuhele in Atlanta at the end of the month. DTB is still a sponsor of the event, and there will be multiple presentations:

https://inuhele.com/2025-panels-ii

The Beachcomer Things Going On

Presenters: Marie King & Justin Peterson

Join Don the Beachcomber Creative Director Justin Peterson and Beverage Director Marie King as they discuss the past, present, and future of DTB! Marie and Justin will talk about their roles at DTB and share behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming locations, the DTB cocktail program, merchandise, and more!

https://inuhele.com/2025-presentations

Don the Beachcomber: Hollywood to the Mob to the Big Screen

Presenters: Jason T. Smith with Marie King

The first Don The Beachcomber opened in Hollywood in 1933 and was a smash success. Such a success that Don married one of the patrons, Cora Sunny Sund, and she took them to Chicago to open their 2nd location. To make sure Chicago was successful too, Cora handed over half of the business to the mob. Following a stint in the armed forces during WWII, Don moved his operations to Hawaii and Cora carried on with the mainland expansion. Fast Forward to 2024 and the documentary The Donn Of Tiki made it's Hollywood debut at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Joining Jason in this mostly true history symposium is Marie King, Director Of Beverage for 23 Restaurant Services (aka Don The Beachcomber). Both Marie and Jason are in The Donn Of Tiki and Marie will be sharing where the modern rebirth of DTB is heading.

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2025-01-07 20:32:58 ]

I noticed the address where the Don The Beachcomber was opened in Madeira Beach is now listed on the TikiDocks page.

Strange. . .

That's actually some good evidence that Tiki Docks may indeed be taking over the DTB space. However, I don't think that means they're abandoning the Don the Beachcomber brand, as evidenced by the topics they plan to discuss in Atlanta. I believe the Hamlin location is still in the works.

Never fear, I will be reporting and asking many questions while I'm there. Event preview: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/01/14/event-preview-inuhele-and-atlanta-grow-together-into-a-tiki-powerhouse/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2025-01-14 20:42:27 ]

Yeah SBJiminyC, it's official. Mad Beach DtB will be reopening as a TikiDocks. Much of the interior shipped out elsewhere.

This one especially sucks because we had big hopes for that DtB to be part of a great retro revival for St Pete, which it badly needs after so many years of neglect -- especially around Treasure Island where all the mid-century modern stuff used to flourish. We'd talked to them early last year about the excitement we felt seeing something actually good coming to town. There's still a few scattered spots of tiki and vintage goodness around there, but nothing along the lines of what it had 15 years ago and nothing that would put it on the map the way we had hoped. But it's just not to be. And, almost worse, the best 70s nautical lounge that was still in operation right up the street was sold after the Helene devastation, renamed stupidly, and looks like it's been completely junkified. It's really becoming the story of St Pete -- everything cool and vintage just gets neglected and gone, and all the promises of restoration and revival end up never happening. TikiDocks will be just another Caddy's type place on Mad Beach.

OFFICIAL NEWS from the Inuhele weekender in Atlanta: The Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Madeira Beach, which has been closed since September due to extensive hurricane damage, will not reopen and instead will be converted into parent company 23 Restaurant Group's Tiki Docks concept.

However, creative director Justin Peterson and beverage director Marie King said that all efforts (and much of the decor) will be directed toward the planned flagship Don the Beachcomber in Hamlin, near Orlando, estimated to be opening in early 2026.

Before then, we may also see more Gantt Reserve Collection speakeasies, joining Morgan's Cove in Tampa as Donn Beach-inspired cocktail bars.

The two talked for an hour, along with Tim "Swanky" Glazner, about the future of the Don the Beachcomber brand. Despite the setback in Madeira Beach, the plans for the future look bright.

I thought part of the reason for getting the rights to Don the Beachcomber was to rebrand and replace their Tiki Docks locations. Seems like a backward move to me.

I recall at the time they said they may rebrand some of their Tiki Docks locations, but their neo-Don the Beachcombers were going to be their own thing.