Trader Vics Las Vegas Death Watch

UPDATE; Trader Vic's in Las Vegas closed in 2009.
Feel free to check out this this thread about it and the opening of Cabo Wabo in that location............
There has been a lot of rumors about TVLV's closing-I think they have gone back about a year. The best word was that Cabo Wabo was replacing it-but now there is a possibility that that deal may fall(or may have fallen) through. So I start this thread not to make fun of TVLV's or to wish it (a business) to close. But in this current economy any business may close. I do want to say this;

1. I assume TVLV has a lease.
2. As unbelievable as it seems, a TON of money went into this place.
3. Their cavalry (Cabo Wabo) MAY not be coming to the rescue.
   SO....I say this. Lets so YOU have a lease, and a business that cost you tons of money to start and you are in a bad economy in which finding a buyer for your business is scarce, what would YOU do? I recommend keeping the business open. I know a close friend of mine who owns a business with a staggering inventory and he is suffering in this economy. What is he doing?- is he looking for a savior to buy his business? (no), is he sitting on his butt saying "oh the economy is bad all over maybe I can ride it out?(no!). What does HE do? He is constantly looking at his business-trying to cut costs WITHOUT cutting quality/customer satisfaction and is looking at any viable way to survive and succeed(i am oversimplifying his efforts).
   SO...what should YOU, the owner of TVLV's do to survive the Death Watch? Times are tough, so as much as I hate to say this, at this time you don't do much to the look of the place. Doing a full remodel right now will be too expensive. Ok-what else can you do to the ambience? Soundproof the comedy club upstairs! See if you can put a wall so that the sound doesn't travel downstairs-it is really annoying. Yes, that will cost some money sooo, you the owner of TVLV maybe you don't want to shell out that money. What else can YOU the owner do? Make the staff understand and Want TO GIVE GOOD SERVICE. And MAKE THEM understand the history and concept of TRADER VICS! How much will that cost? Hard to say-maybe it will SAVE you money. If you think you can't train those crappy old employee(s)you have, maybe their replacements might cost less, because there are some good people looking for jobs. Quality and consistancy and good service don't have to be expensive. But, these traits start at the top, and YOU, the owner of TVLV have to care yourself about the business if you want your employees to follow suit.
   So, fellow TC folks, should we do a death watch and start throwing out dates-or do we wish that TVLV gets it's act together and starts becomming less and less of a shame to the Trader Vic's name!

[ Edited by: mrsmiley 2010-01-09 17:45 ]

June 12th.

As a biz owner myself I've had to diversify and offer value value value, meaning providing more service and product for the dollar than I would in a different econ. Most of my customers now are not new they are repeat customers. I would say yes if the current employees of TV's in Vegas are not enthusiastic heaping positive vibe service on the clientele than hire those that will be. Hang in there,.....or not. Reinvent, go back to school.

If they want quick amounts of cash, book Deep Dish or DJ Tiesto, and charge $50/$75 person. Ultra Lounges/Clubs are the only real thing not affected in Vegas by the economy. People are still drinking, and partying, but they are just not gambling as much. That would be the fastest and most logical move TVLV could do at this time. They have the setup and atmosphere for this style of entertainment, might as well use it to its full potential. Look at all the money Pure was raking in, until the Feds infiltrated, and raided it.

Well, if I had owned this business, I would have taken the early ctiticisms seriously and tried my best to do what I could to make my potential customers interested in coming back.

Now, again speaking as a businessman, with the chances of continuing as a Trader Vic's no longer seeming viable and being in the midst of a bad recession, and with the very real fear of losing my shirt, I'd change the name to McDrinky's, advertise cheap booze, and hire hot waitresses wearing skimpy outfits.

They definitely need to decide what the plan is one way or the other. Right now the staff is demoralized and saying all sorts of conflicting and inaccurate stuff to the customers because they have no real information so that sure won't help business at all.

Just looking around you get a clear vibe that something is wrong since they are entirely out of Trader Vics napkins, swizzles, picks, and similar items. The merchandise up front is selling at fire sale prices (an embroidered waiters shirt for $5 for example).

That all starts to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

-Rev

I can't imagine they'd sell the merchandise so cheaply if they thought they were going to continue as a TV. My guess is that if they can't get some other franchise, they'll become some generic "ultra lounge."

It's less expensive and easier to default on a lease than it is to try to keep a failing business up and running.

On 2009-02-23 08:05, Haole'akamai wrote:
June 12th.

May 29th

april 17th

December 21st, 2012

is there any way at all that moss can get his hands on those big ku tikis and put them on the roof of frankies ???...or at least use one to hold up their outdoor sign??.... maybe have one look like he's bustin out of the roof from the inside out......

..now that would be cool....

" In a perfect world...Elvis would still be alive ....and all the elvis impersonators would be dead!!"

[ Edited by: Tipsy McStagger 2009-02-24 20:44 ]

I checked it out this weekend. The patio was crowded with people who didn't seem to care about lack of decor. Maybe Doc Weirner was right when he said "Curiosity will keep them coming in for years" The inside was rather dead though. For a few grand they could shop at Oceanic Arts, hire a couple of Tiki artists and make it look like a real Trader Vic's.

I was there this past Friday and I had nothing but great service from our waiter...better than at most places. He was enthusiastic and friendly and waited on our rather demanding group hand and foot. I agree they were frustrated, but at least they cared enough to BE frustrated. The word I got was that the Cabo Wabo deal DID fall through so I tend to agree with those that feel the owner is waiting for the lease to expire. They aren't even restocking the rum or wine anymore so they can't be planning to continue status quo for too much longer. I say April 14th.

By the time I get to Las Vegas this summer, the place will be closed I guess... Now this is really stupid, I suppose, but why don't they try gambling? Use the patio for pupu's and drinks, 'cause everyone has said that's pretty cool, and use the rest of the place for slot machines. OK, so I'm guessing there's a lot of permits and stuff they would need, but...

On 2009-02-25 03:30, Bongo Bungalow wrote:
By the time I get to Las Vegas this summer, the place will be closed I guess... Now this is really stupid, I suppose, but why don't they try gambling? Use the patio for pupu's and drinks, 'cause everyone has said that's pretty cool, and use the rest of the place for slot machines.

I'm sure they aren't licensed to have gambling.

Frankie's is. At least they have the video poker at the bar. Don't see why TV couldn't as well.

..too bad....trader vics would have probably survived if it was located off the strip alittle and the focus was more traditional traders drinks, food and decor. would have been cool to have a more authentic tiki hideaway tucked away off the beaten path....

anyway - frankies came along and did it much better...let the tv las vegas die it's deserved death ....

On 2009-02-25 11:56, tikitonga wrote:
Frankie's is. At least they have the video poker at the bar. Don't see why TV couldn't as well.

Even if Vic's could get a license, I'm guessing their lease would prohibit gambling, as the landlord is a casino that doesn't want it business cannibalized. Casino-owned bars usually have video poker machines but I don't think I've ever seen them in a bar/restaurant run by outside operators.

I kinda liked the place the one time I went, so I hope it manages to hang on somehow.

Planet Hollywood would never allow gambling in the Miracle Mile Shops that's for sure.

Who knows how long the rum will last at TV but it could be awhile, when we were there in January most of the people on the patio were ordering buckets of Corona.

I was at TV's Las Vegas last week. An employee told me that the Cabo Wabo thing may be on hold-they were letting the booze run out and other supplies and not re-ordering, but have reversed that. Apparently it is not a corporate TV's. The owner has some kind of rights to use the name and the logo. There is no real corporate presence and they don't require the employees to wear TV's uniform shirts.
Their big moneymaker is the patio and he said as long as that keeps going strong like it has been, they will probably remain TV's. He said the lawyers are still hashing out details on TV's, Cabo Wabo, etc. and he suspects it will change to Cabo, but not really soon. This guy was really cool and helped me out a bit.

I would suggest going to TV's during happy hour and get the $1 sliders-kalua pork on hawaiian sweet rolls, get a tiki drink to go in one of the giant plastic mugs, and hit the road. At least you can say you've seen it. Save your quality tiki time for Frankie's. The only complaint I had there was that it was so smoky I couldn't see across the room. Asthmatics beware!! They do open the doors to air it out a bit-they know there seems to be a ventilation problem. If you don't have allergies or breathing issues then the place is perfect! Really cool peeps! And it attracts locals-owned by the same guy as the Double Down. They say Frankie's isn't going anywhere!

One other place to check out is Tahiti Joe's at the Tahiti Village condos below The Strip on Las Vegas Blvd. I found it by accident-couldn't make a left turn so did a fancy and a bit illegal U-turn and there it was. They do have tiki decor, a restaurant, rum drinks, a big volcano mug and a smaller tiki mug that just reminds me of Party City a bit too much. Got the volcano, though. It's worth a stop. More tiki than TV's. Just not FI or Frankie's.

:drink:
Tacky Tiki

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/04/trader-vics-miracle-mile-shops-close/
June 5, 2009
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Trader Vic’s in Miracle Mile Shops to close
By Amanda Finnegan (contact)

Thu, Jun 4, 2009 (11:18 a.m.)

The Polynesian-themed Trader Vic’s inside the Miracle Mile Shops will soon be closing its doors.

A spokesperson for Miracle Mile said the restaurant will be closing but he didn't know the timetable. A formal announcement on the closing will be made soon, he said.

Trader Vic’s general manager Jerry Yanez said employees are scheduled through next week and the restaurant will operate as planned until the announcement is made.

Trader Vic’s opened in the Miracle Mile shops in 2007. The restaurant, opened in the 1930s as Hinky Dinks, operates 26 restaurants in 13 counties.

Buh Bye

Jeff(bigtikidude)

I sincerely hope that the Trader Vic's in Vegas can take a page from the other locales out there and really shine. We have a great TVs here in Emeryville, CA, & I have gone back there repeatedly for the service, the food, and a mug or two(of course). But it really DOES come down to service. If you don't feel comfortable in a place, no amount of Tiki decor will do, and that is a fact. In a town with a great Tiki bar in the area (you know who you are, Frankie) as well as authentic Tiki history to find, like the Aku-Aku tiki in the park, Trader Vic's has a great opportunity to really rise to the occasion and appeal to the enthusiast, and the non-enthusiast as well. Because a good restaraunt will bring in everyone, regardless of their particular obbies.
~Z.

I skipped TVLV when I was in town back at the end of April after reading the reviews here. I chose to spend more quality time at Frankies and not make my first TV experience a letdown. I am still glad I made that choice.

I was lucky enough to score an opening day mug from a friend that is working in Vegas and happened to be in the right place at the right time when they were throwing away the mugs.

On 2009-06-05 11:07, ZeroTiki wrote:
I sincerely hope that the Trader Vic's in Vegas can take a page from the other locales out there and really shine. We have a great TVs here in Emeryville, CA, & I have gone back there repeatedly for the service, the food, and a mug or two(of course). But it really DOES come down to service. If you don't feel comfortable in a place, no amount of Tiki decor will do, and that is a fact. In a town with a great Tiki bar in the area (you know who you are, Frankie) as well as authentic Tiki history to find, like the Aku-Aku tiki in the park, Trader Vic's has a great opportunity to really rise to the occasion and appeal to the enthusiast, and the non-enthusiast as well. Because a good restaraunt will bring in everyone, regardless of their particular obbies.
~Z.

Did you not read the press release two posts above yours? They've had their chance to shine and failed. They will not be coming back as Trader Vic's. They are closing. If they come back, it will be as something else. I've been there, and I say "good riddance!"

That location was not part of the TV's empire-somehow the owner of the restaruant got the rights to use the TV name and logos, but they always did their own thing there and that was part of the agreement. It will most likely become CaboWabo and be way more successful. It seems to attract the 20-something party crowd. Not that that is bad, I just don't see that they really 'get' TV's and really don't care. I'm not saying everyone who is in their 20's and likes to party is an idiot, not at all. BUT...the 2 things the patrons of that bar were looking for: sitting on the patio and inexpensive but large drinks. Most didn't 'get' the complexity of the various flavors in the drinks. They probably didn't know what a menehune was, and would probably laugh at Forbidden Island. I'm not trying to bash anyone, but I'm making a feeble attempt at trying to explain that the group that is going to the bar at the TV's location don't give a rat's ass about Tv's, tiki, "umbrella" drinks, etc. They like the physical location and the ability to get alcohol while watching the street action. When I was there almost everyone ordered beer. The waiter, who had been there since the beginning said that they get exactly that-people who order the beer on the patio while watching the people go by until the real nightlife starts.

Frankie's is a way cool local's bar. I love it! TV's a tourist restaurant. Whatever the masses want, is what will make a go of it in that location.

That in mind, I love Trader Vic's. It's part of a dying breed of sedate, classy restaurants where service is paramount. The Bay used to be full of them..the Sea Wolf, the Villa de la Paix, The Grotto.

:drink:
Tacky

According to my Vegas restaurant insider friend, it won't be a Cabo Wabo either. That deal fell through months ago.

some insider jen, I knew that months ago. It is being touted as an "exciting new concept". Can't wait. :wink:

[ Edited by: tikimyniki 2009-06-05 23:14 ]

Apologies for not seeing the post above mine, I didn't see the 2nd page(clicked on 'post reply' on Pg. 1). I am sad that something using the TV name was such a disappointment.

they shoulda changed the name to Vic's Trader!!! :wink:

You guys just didm't know how to make it bareable.

cybertiki! Virtual Maitai! Love it!

~Z

I'm headed back to Vegas in a few weeks. I'll check it out but really don't expect much.

Exciting new concept? I like the exciting old concept that Frankie's is using. Nothing wrong with that! And everything right! Maybe if TV'sLV had followed that formula we wouldn't be talking about how a good thing went so bad!

Back to my rum....

:drink:
Tacky

If you go, try it during the day - maybe they have real bartender before the college crowd arrives.

Virtual reality goggles don't help if the drinks are terrible. My last visit ended after I ordered a Mai Tai and the bartender asked "Oh, we're out of dark rum - does that make a difference to you?"

I've never gone to Frankie's because I get a real hipster vibe off that place - am I wrong in that perception?

hipster is right.

On 2009-06-06 22:36, Koolau wrote:
If you go, try it during the day - maybe they have real bartender before the college crowd arrives.

No such luck. I went for lunch. Still couldn't get an actual mai tai, even though they certainly had the time to make one since there were only three tables of people, and no one on the patio because it was a super windy day.

On 2009-06-07 02:08, JenTiki wrote:

On 2009-06-06 22:36, Koolau wrote:
If you go, try it during the day - maybe they have real bartender before the college crowd arrives.

No such luck. I went for lunch. Still couldn't get an actual mai tai, even though they certainly had the time to make one since there were only three tables of people, and no one on the patio because it was a super windy day.

i was there this evening and had horrible service. the zombie was passable though.

I'll be there in three weeks... I ain't goin' near the place! I will stop into Frankies for a cocktail and a mug or two to bring home.

Bongo, you might want to at least stick your head in to see what they're selling.

On 2009-06-06 22:36, Koolau wrote:

I've never gone to Frankie's because I get a real hipster vibe off that place - am I wrong in that perception?

Not trying to derail this post-but I wouldn't call Frankie's an overly hip place.
Sure, if you go during Viva Las Vegas, there will be a lot of Rockabilly customers, and if you go during the Burlesques Hall of Fame weekend, there will be a lot of burlesque styled gals and male fans. During the other 50 weeks of the year, the hippest people during the week is us TC Regulars on Wednesdays nights. Maybe weekends have more hipsters-I don't often go because it can be too smokey. The place looks awesome and the drinks are pretty good. The best Tiki bar hands down in Las vegas. If you want your fix-you need to go there!

Now back to the TRADER VIC'S Deathwatch!

On 2009-06-06 11:46, ZeroTiki wrote:
Apologies for not seeing the post above mine, I didn't see the 2nd page(clicked on 'post reply' on Pg. 1). I am sad that something using the TV name was such a disappointment.

ZeroTiki,
To alter your original sentiment a little; I hope that Trader Vic's corporate office will take a clue from this failure and NOT give anyone carte blanche to use the Trader Vic's name and NOT have to follow a STRICT franchise agreement which includes (at least) monthly secret customer testing of the food and drinks, strict guidelines for decor, and of course they MUST have Trader Vic's signature Chinese Oven. Vegas Vic's never had that oven! RAZZ!

On 2009-06-07 23:38, mrsmiley wrote:
I hope that Trader Vic's corporate office will take a clue from this failure and NOT give anyone carte blanche to use the Trader Vic's name and NOT have to follow a STRICT franchise agreement which includes (at least) monthly secret customer testing of the food and drinks, strict guidelines for decor, and of course they MUST have Trader Vic's signature Chinese Oven. Vegas Vic's never had that oven! RAZZ!

I agree 10000% with this.

Ben - maybe they could rename the Vegas location to Traitor Vic's - the tourists wouldn't notice the difference anyway.

And as far as Frankies being a hipster joint... Don't let that thought make you skip this incredible bar!

What's a hipster anyway? Is that like a hippie? I don't like hippies, their personal hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. Hepcats are cool though. I would think their mid-century asthetic would be perfect for Frankie's.

The dictionary defintion for hipster is as follows:

1. One who is exceptionally aware of or interested in the latest trends and tastes, especially a devotee of modern jazz.

2. A person, esp. during the 1950s, characterized by a particularly strong sense of alienation from most established social activities and relationships.

#1 is cool, I like modern jazz. #2 would benefit from a few Zombies to loosen them up.

I like to hang at the El Cortez. Lot's of hip(replacement)sters there. :)

Bring on the hipsters !!

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2009-06-08 17:37 ]

Nothing in that location will do all that well! Why do you think the Aladdin went out of business there? It has never done REALLY well compared to other Strip locations... They will never have great bartenders and servers in that location because we make our money in tips not hourly pay...

I have had opportunities to work within that hotel and have turned it down because anywhere else I have worked I made double what their service staff was making...

They might have done better off the strip with gaming. I don't see a way to make a tiki restaurant successfull in Las Vegas without the gaming. The Tiki Central crowd will not keep a restaurant open, there are not enough of them.

no idea if this has anything to do with tv´s location ? ! ?

"...
Pink’s Hot Dogs opening in Las Vegas
Restaurant also serving up 30 to 35 new jobs
By Amanda Finnegan (contact)

Fri, Jun 12, 2009 (11:50 a.m.)

Hollywood’s landmark Pink’s Hot Dogs will soon be serving up its famous dogs in Las Vegas.

The hot dog hotspot will be opening in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops
this August.

Pink’s founder Paul Pink started the brand with just a pushcart in 1939, selling chili dogs for 10 cents apiece. He later traded his cart for the restaurant in 1946, which Pink’s still operates out of today. Now 70 years older and $3 more expensive, Pink’s and its chili dogs have chosen Las Vegas as its second location to place its roots.

Hot dogs on Pink’s don the names of famous patrons like the “Martha Stewart dog” (10" hot dog, relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut & sour cream), the Rosie O’Donnell Long Island Dog (10" hot dog, topped with mustard, onions, chili and sauerkraut) and the Ozzy Spicy Dog (spicy Polish dog, nacho cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes).

The restaurant has been featured on “The Today Show,” Food Network’s “Throwdown! With Bobby Flay” and episodes of “Nip/Tuck.”

Aside from hot dogs, Pink’s will be offering up a few new jobs. The restaurant is expecting to hire between 30 and 35 people as bartenders, line cooks and managers. A job fair will be hosted in July for the positions.
..."
(lasvegassun)

Doubt it, Trader Vic's is a huge space and I'm guessing Pink's will be on the smaller side

On 2009-06-13 10:59, icebaer69 wrote:

Pink’s Hot Dogs opening in Las Vegas

The hot dog hotspot will be opening in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops
this August

Planet Hollywood shopping mall ?? Bartenders ?? WTF ?? !!

Greasy chili dogs are best enjoyed in a seedy urban environment, waiting in a 30-minute line after the bars close with an L.A. cross-section of gang bangers, struggling actors/musicians, and celebrities. That's the true Pink's experience.

They really should be locating to Fremont East if moving at all. :(

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2009-06-13 12:50 ]