Tonga Hut 55th Anniversay! July 20/21 2013

I'm so glad I got to drop by Tonga Hut to take in some Tiki vibes and meet some folks on Tiki Central! And great vendors too! Always great to see my pal Joe Banks! This was my first visit EVER to Tonga Hut. Glad I could visit on such a big anniversary! And good to see Anthony of Martini Kings! Glad everyone had a blast!

On 2013-07-22 10:42, Enchanted Tiki Guy wrote:
This was my first visit EVER to Tonga Hut.

And you only live in West Hollywood?! Shame on you.

It was a great day, filled to overflowing with great art, artists, vendors and, of course, great drinks, not to mention an incredible, crowd of friendly people. (Our only regret was that our four-legged tiki godess, Ella-Roux, despite being appropriately dressed, wasn't allowed to enter the hallowed ground inside the Tonga Hut, so only one of us at a time could enter and partake of the well-poured drinks, whilst Ella-Roux remained outside, shopping and talking to the vendors.) All in all, a very fitting celebration and tribute to a legendary tiki establishment. Thanks to all concerned, and here's to 55 more years!

We had great time our first time vending at The Tonga Hut. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put this event on. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our space it was nice talking to everyone, especially Magic Tiki. The taco's great! I just wish the vendors could have drink outside.
Thanks again, Mike

That was a great time and a little exhausting too. Congratulations to the Tonga Hut on 55 years. There was a huge turnout, and from all accounts everyone had a great time. Speaking for myself and Val - we did! Thanks to everyone at the Hut who worked hard on a long day, especially the ones behind the bar. I don't think I saw a break in there from opening until we left for the night.

We managed to get inside for a little of Creepxotica and a little of Casino 66. Both sounded great. There's something particularly great about Creepxotica that photos don't quite capture. But I took some photos anyway.

Thanks again to everyone who put together the Tonga Hut's birthday party! See everyone again next Sunday night? :D

Higher res versions up on Flickr.

kevin

Great job Marie, Lisa Marie, Liz, Syd, Tom, Sherri, Claudia , Murph, Eric, Scott, Jeremy, and everyone who made this day so great!!! All the Vendors, Special appearances Josh(Shag), Sven, Pete Moruzzi, Charles Phoenix, George Barris. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You all made this day sooooo special thank you!!!!!!!!!

Amy

[ Edited by: Queen Kamehameha 2013-07-23 17:41 ]

Thanks for a fun event and everyone's hard work.

If someone that really wanted a goodie bag but didn't get one, let me know because we don't need two of them.

Wife and I didn't even know there was a Goodie Bag.

There was one between GROG' legs, but when GROG got up out of chair, somebody moved it to the side, so it was no longer between GROG' legs when GROG sat down again.

WOW!!! What a GREAT day Sunday!!! I was lucky to have gotten my mug early ...there were soooooo many people celebrating ! YIKES!! Thank you, again, Amy, Sherri, Marie(for keeping it flowing)and especially Eric :wink:. Loved hanging out with Sven at our booth and goofing off with Charles, but I'm really glad Josh had the time to sign my mug and take my photos home for his viewing pleasure. Creepxotica was awesome! We had a blast...looking forward to the 60th!! Hope to see most of you at Svens release on Saturday night at the Tiki Ti:) ...."there's always rum just around the corner'..

Yeah, gotta say that if there were a way to do an event the right way, that was it. Thanks guys, I had a great time!

On 2013-07-24 12:45, TiKiMaN77 wrote:
Wife and I didn't even know there was a Goodie Bag.

I think this was the problem. The right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing at the event. I wish Tonga Hut a happy 55th and all. Hell, I recall my time doing weekly trips there with buddies under the draw of cheap beer nights while one or two of us got those signature tiki drinks and it's been a go-to spot for dates, but what didn't happen at the event sort of made me not fully enjoy my Sunday. What ever happened to this idea;

On 2013-06-13 08:32, tonga hut wrote:
There will be 155 of the Shag Mugs. The original were to be limited. July 20th is the start of our holiday weekend. With music and specials , July 21st, those that vend on Sunday early will get first chance to purchase a mug, thank you Vendors!!!!

One per person(family) as we only have 155. Shag will be there!!!!

Having this be my first time vending at a tiki event, I may just not be used to how things are done. Or perhaps I was too new to the other usual faces despite having been to the last half dozen International Tiki festivals. But even though I got there early and had a spot, I felt like the vendors weren't so much taken care of.

No one came around to see who wanted a mug. There was already a line forming while I was setting up and I couldn't leave my spot since my buddy hadn't shown up to relieve me. Seeing folks walk away with mugs was sort of odd.

Eventually I did get a chance to part from my booth and it must have been during the chaos of trying to get through that line. I said I was a vendor, but by then the drooling bastards were gone and the shag mug was left as "Oh, we'll figure it out once we take care of the line."

Notice that. The opposite of taking care of those vendors. It probably should have read "We'll take care of our friends first". Especially when the line was dead and later checking back proved that they were done with.

If it wasn't for the fact that I did sell a fair amount of vintage and kitschy poly pop stuff I brought, I would have been far more disappointed that I was stuck at the booth while people partied it up inside and got their mugs.

At one point when I was relieved from standing watch over my booth and I was hoping for a 55th Mai Tai glass with drink from inside - As I could have used a stiff drink and didn't need two glasses like the deal outside. But maneuvering inside was in itself its own task as it was very dark and after 15 minutes waiting in the mass around the bar, just gave up on that quest.

How difficult would it have been to come around and 'take care of the vendors' like was originally promised? Cause I walked away without a mug and now I see I even missed a goodie bag? That blows.

I suppose I should take comfort that the line for the mug didn't block my spot. Just seemed like a whole mess of miscommunication at the event. Especially with the only 80 Shag mugs actually making it to the event. But as a first time and more than likely last time vendor, I didn't feel very much taken care of.

End rant, I know. cry me a river and what not. Just needed to vent that and get it off my chest. I'll be seeing you guys again - only from the other side of the table.

But hey, to Tonga Hut. I'll still be sipping on them Zombies for hopefully another 55 years.

[ Edited by: tikijackskeleton 2013-07-25 14:21 ]

[ Edited by: tikijackskeleton 2013-07-25 14:22 ]

Tikijackskeliton - I think you should cut them some slack. They are a small group trying to handle a big and crazy event. Seems like you are always "glass half empty" in your posts. Not trying to judge or dis you, just pointing out my perspective.

I had a good time at the Tonga Hut. I got there later than I wanted and missed all the vending. Stupid comiccon traffic! I did get a few things though. I finished up the premixed Gin drink, because I knew it would go to waste. Got to talk to Grog and say hey to ATP, and it is always good to see the bartenders. Thanks for hosting a great party!

Grog - I understand you had to leave. It was great to see you and I hope to see you again at Tiki Oasis!

Luna, I think you should cut me some slack. I'm just a plucky younger Tiki fan (I mean, 30's oppose to the rest of your ol' farts :wink: ) Just throwing out my experience is all. I know it's the one opinion here expressed that has gone against the grain. But I felt like that whole taking care of the vendors thing fell off by the waist side.

One other vendor I talked to across the way from me also expressed a bit of unhappiness about a few things involving the mug.

I think I would have had much more fun going as a non-vendor. At least that way I would have gotten my mug and in the bar before it got too packed.

Either way, It's not like I'm holding it against Tonga or claiming I'd never visit them again or anything. Hell, I told myself I'll stop in this weekend cause I have that phantom itch to get a mai tai.

Just sayin', vending didn't have much of any advantage besides being able to pass on my poly-pop goods to more wanting homes.

I am in my 30s too. I will gladly cut you some slack. I have no hard feelings towards you, since we have not met. Hopefully we will run into each other someday.

I own my own buusiness and I know how tough it is to put together big events. It usually is me doing all of the work with little help from anyone else. You are right that it is too bad, but it is difficult to cater to 200+ people with a staff of 10. I think they handled it well and made some awesome sales too!

EDIT - I wish I could have gotten the mugs too. Oh well...

[ Edited by: lunavideogames 2013-07-25 18:21 ]

tikijackskeleton so you didn't pay to vend, right? You got to sell " a fair amount of vintage and kitschy poly pop stuff you brought"--right so you actually MADE money off the event?

In case you weren't aware--or didn't notice because you were so busy selling--thank goodness "the line for the Shag mugs didn't block your spot" --that was THE single busiest day the bar has EVER had. Not only in merch sales BUT in bar sales.

I drove down from Oakland to hang out and ended up making gallons of cocktails for the bartenders to serve because they were so slammed--for over 5 hours. Can you even comprehend how many CASES of booze we went through that day?? Try at least 20. It wasn't just busy..it was NON-STOP.

Also this was the first 55th Anniversary event the bar has ever thrown. Its not a matter of cutting people some slack..its about using common sense.

You may not be too aware of how things work at the Tonga Hut but all those people selling shirts, DJing, picking up used glasses, setting up the art show...in fact everyone besides the bartenders were VOLUNTEERING.

Volunteers were trying to figure out how to set things up, where to organize the merch, how to price the merch, how to deal with the people waiting in line for the mug at 9am.....merchandise was coming in at all different times that morning so very little planning was able to be done. We all just winged it.

NONE of us made any money...we all helped out because we love the bar. Personally speaking as I was mixing drinks vendors were coming in asking for water which I was bringing out to them and serving to them in the bar.

If you have a problem with how a ONE TIME event that has already ended was handled then EMAIL the person in charge...Amy will be happy to assist you any way possible. Esp considering your lack of information on what was happening behind the scenes is pretty obvious from your post. Since you have already stated that you won't be vending again I personally want to say THANKS...because you certainly are pretty classless.

But hey, kudos to you for being the one person to leave negative thoughts on a thread where everyone was nothing but jazzed to be there.

As for the SHAG mugs Amy didn't even GET Them until Sunday 1 hour before the event started. She had planned on selling them Saturday but that was IMPOSSIBLE.

Oh and FYI..the drooling bastard mugs are open stock. Not sure when they are getting more in but hey..email Amy and I am sure she will tell you..you know because that would be the adult way to handle things.

[ Edited by: SandraDee 2013-07-25 18:38 ]

Look, I didn't reply to start a flame war or to start beef. We're posting our experiences and if you want this to be a simple circle jerk, by all means, carry on and ignore my comments. I simply felt I needed to get it off my chest.

As for emailing the person in charge. I don't know who was in charge and that was part of the problem. When the line was started I thought, oh, well since it was said that vendors will have first crack, someone will come around. But there was nothing. Then going up and saying I'm a vendor came off with that sort of brush off. Which I understood because it was so slammed.

I signed up to fill in the vendors spot when it was stated that vendors would get first crack at the mug. Simple as that. It was mentioned over and over again. The reality was, and this is another vendors words was "more like friends got first crack". I'm not sure how exactly true that was. But the common theme was that the mug handling left something to be kinked out.

And yeah, I realize Drooling is an open edition. So next time I'm in I'll get me one. Easy peasy. But the only promise advertised for vending was to get first shot at the mug and then to walk away without it. That's the monkey I needed to get off my back, is all.

You said that they didn't get them till an hour before. Yeah. I saw when they were carried in. The problem was that it went from 155 to 80 and even the umbrellas were getting carved down to fit for the majority of the time.

And to my knowledge from following the facebook updates and updates here, the mugs weren't going to go on sale on Saturday ever. I quoted what was said about them in my last page. But perhaps reading that would be, as you said it, the adult thing to do.

I get it, things go wrong. I'm glad Tonga was slammed with customers who came far and wide to support the place and business was good. But perhaps the lesson learned from this is careful how it's advertised or what promises are made prior to the event to have there be a realistic expectation and not end up writing checks that can't be cashed.

I'm not trying to be the party pooper here. I think the responsible adult actions would be to not sugar coat everything. If an event had great times, then speak about it. But if it had some kinks, since you're so high on the adult thing to do, it would be to work on them. Hard to work on them when they can't even be talked about...

Talking to yet a different vendor who had his issue with getting a mug for his selling partner, he mentioned how he can't really say anything bad because he doesn't want to be black listed from selling. I guess I don't have that holding me back.

Like I said, I'll be in there again in a few days. So it's not like I'm arms crossed going HURMP! NEVER AGAIN, TONGA! I'm glad that they are expanding to Palm Springs and I'm glad that the business is working out for them. Just next time I'm not going to vend and actually enjoy it. Much the same that I'm sure those of you who volunteered and were slammed through it all will be glad to sit down when it isn't elbow to elbow to enjoy a drink.

But please, chastise me some more for speaking ill of anything.

[ Edited by: tikijackskeleton 2013-07-25 18:50 ]

I have contacted Tikijackskeleton directly to remedy the situation. His mug was held. Thanks to everyone for the support.

First off, I will be nice...

We got to the Hut late due to a ton of traffic & an accident
but when we got there the place was packed, couldn't get into the bar and get a drink
for a couple of hours, I didn't get a Mug or a gift bag & I have a number of friends
at the Tonga Hut, so no one was playing favorites.

It just was a huge event & maybe more people showed then expected
that's how it goes sometimes, but I don't go to these things for mugs or swag
and I don't think I am owed anything just for showing up

It's all about getting to hang with friends & share a cocktail
and for me that's what Tiki is all about & for that reason alone the day was a huge success.

Now Kneel before Zod!

Well all I can say is my apologies, it was unbelievable!!! for sure but we held a mug or 2 just for this occasion, as we thought not all vendors got mugs.

I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us, as ATP said, it was about the people and celebrating the event, he'll even I couldn't get in the bar

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Amy

Congratz Amy on 55!
Sounds like a great event.

And tikijackskeleton if you think it's bad vending there
and you are treated like a third class citizen, don't vend at
other tiki events.
Because at those you PAY to work the whole time of the event, and get
no preferential treatment at all.

The Drooling Bastard mug that was at the event isn't an open edition or at least the color combo at the event isn't an open edition. They are all serial numbered out of 25. They may produce more of the same design, but with different colors.

Here's me & Joe Banks at the Tonga Hut event! I had a great time!

Waiting for Tom's photos............

Coming soon ... just got through the first batch of edits last night.

If you missed out on a goodie bag, I'm giving one away on my Tiki blog:

http://thetikichick.com/2013/07/27/giveaway-tonga-huts-55th-anniversary-celebration/

I'll be picking a winner on August 6th. (The bag was kindly donated by my boyfriend who is not into Tiki like I am.)

[ Edited by: MauiRose 2013-07-27 11:39 ]

Photos are on Facebook (way easier to upload than here). Hope to have them uploaded here tomorrow!

Hey,

Has another batch of Drooling Bastard mugs washed up on shore yet?

We'll post as soon as they arrive. Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_-o21_IxA&feature=share