News from Trader Vic's!

July 22, 2008

UPDATE: Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge in Dubai…
 

…is open!

On May 15, 2008 the doors officially opened to 300 of Dubai’s elite. The evening was a smashing success and we have high hopes for this newest location in Dubai.






 


 

 


July 22, 2008

Trader Vic’s Chicago!

For the fans of the old Trader Vic’s in the Chicago Palmer House Hilton, it has been a long agonizing wait, but at long last, this October, the “new” Trader Vic’s Chicago will open its doors. The latest addition to the Trader Vic’s family of franchises is being designed by the same team that brought the old Dallas location back to breathtaking life in 2006. Tikiphiles and Trader Vic’s Chicago devotees will appreciate that many artifacts from the Palmer House restaurant have been preserved for this new location. We can’t wait to see the finished result!

 

 



July 22, 2008

Awards & Accolades  

Congratulations and well done to the staff of Trader Vic’s Dubai Souk Madinat: Winner of the 2008 What's OnAward for Best Independent Restaurant.

As well to the crew at Trader Vic’s in Abu Dhabi: Winner of the 2008 What's OnAward for General Manager’s recommendation.

Picture of Trader Vic’s VP Jerome Laugenie and Trader Vic’s Abu Dhabi’s Chef Jimmy, Sous Chef Chew and others with award.

Back in the States, Trader Vic’s Atlanta has been voted Top Five – number 3 to be exact – for service excellence. Kudos to the entire staff of Trader Vic’s Atlanta!

The crew at Atlanta Trader Vic’s in conjunction with the Atlanta Hilton are great at drawing in the crowds with eccentric events. The latest, on June 14 th was the Kung Fu Hustle featuring Dames Aflame and the sounds of Polynesian Pop with Tonga Hiti. They packed the house and raffled off a hand carved tiki post for CARE International, supporting the relief effort in Myanmar and China. A few pictures from the festivities…










July 22, 2008

Trader Vic’s Corporate  

Yavuz Pehlivanlar has been with Trader Vic’s for ten years. He spent two years in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi and Beirut opening the Trader Vic’s locations there. Due to his great success in the Middle East has was transferred to London and was the General Manager of Trader Vic’s London for five years. London has always been one of our most successful locations and continued to flourish under the skilled command of Mr. Pehlivanlar. In 2005 he was invited to come to the US and manage the San Francisco location. Yavuz moved to the corporate side of the organization in early 2008 and we are very pleased to announce that he has been promoted to Vice President of American Operations. Yavuz will be based at our Emeryville location; though his main responsibility will be to our many successful restaurants throughout the United States. In addition to continuing and improving our close corporate relationship with our domestic partners, he will utilize his considerable experience and talents in offering advice and assistance in every aspect of operations and strategy.

Congratulations Yavuz on this well deserved promotion!

This one is both culinary and corporate…

Masato Hamada is our new traveling Chef for Trader Vic’s Corporate! Masato has been working in the Trader Vic’s kitchens around the world for over 8 eight years. He has been at the cutting board in Osaka, Tokyo, Emeryville, San Francisco, Bahrain and Shanghai and brings with him a wide range of knowledge and experience.

He will work together with Paul Fabre our Corporate Chef to conjure innovative and exciting menu additions, while also ensuring top quality on all of our signature items. He will travel to Trader Vic’s locations in the Middle East and Europe to introduce a selection of new dishes and our updated recipe book. He will also be leading the culinary opening team in future openings. Right now our seasoned chef is training the new kitchen staff in our first ever non- alcoholic restaurant in Kuwait.

As we continue to grow we are thrilled to have Masato on our Corporate Team.

Welcome to the corporate team Masato!


July 22, 2008

On the Culinary Front  

We introduced a new menu in Bahrain on June 1 st! We’ve added some lighter fare for the summer and are offering some diverse flavors from around the world: Tamarind scallops with shaved sweet sour cabbage salad, wok stirred seafood combination (lobster, prawns and fish) in a light red Thai coconut broth. Also, we are excited to introduce one of our favorites from the states, the mango chili beef.


May 8, 2008

Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge Debuts in Dubai!

This project has been a long time in the making, and these photos show the work in progress; the result is sure to be fabulous. Rumor has it that the city is buzzing with anticipation of this modern tiki lounge. A May opening is planned, the exact date is yet to be determined, but we will keep you updated. The Mai Tai’s will be flowing, and the band will be rocking very soon!

Located in the Al Fattan Towers, if you are lucky enough to be in the area, check it out and let us far away folks know of your Trader Vic’s Dubai Mai Tai Lounge experience!

 
 
Opening Party Dubai Mai Tai Lounge

Band, all staff, myself and rmal management
 


Bar at work

 

Eric Fabie, Jerome Laugenie, Tiki, Anthony Liddiard, Walter Hall, Simon Penhaligan, Stephen Banks and two models
 

Jerome Laugenie, Laurence, , Ralick Jhan
 

Doormen at entrance
 

Kim Mahlke and guest
 

Monique and friend dancing
 


Concierto Son band playing

 

RIBBON



May 8, 2008

We’ve got the Date for Trader Vic’s Kuwait! – Well almost…

The goal is to have guests luxuriating on the patio, overlooking the sea, shisha in hand, by mid-June! We will keep you updated as the weeks go on as to the exact opening date. For now take a look at these exciting photos - those are some big tikis, and lots of them!

 

 
 
 
2 months to go and counting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


May 8, 2008

On the Culinary Front…

Trader Vic’s Executive Chef, Paul Fabre, has just returned from visiting our Senor Pico restaurant in Bangkok, he and the diligent kitchen staff worked tirelessly for a week to create new and exciting Latin inspired recipes. Chef Paul has also helped to design a new menu for the Mai Tai Bar in Estepona, Spain. This Mai Tai Bar is preparing to undergo a minor renovation and will be re-launching as the updated version of Trader Vic’s new Mai Tai Lounge. We will keep you updated with photos and information on this as it becomes available.


May 8, 2008

What’s new with Trader Vic's Wholesale?

We are constantly working to get our restaurants the best quality product for the very best price; and we have just gotten our long awaited shipment of metal goods from a new supplier!

For those restaurants with backorders for hibachis, pupu stands & dishes etc., keep an eye out for these new quality pieces, as we are filling & shipping backorders daily; and don’t forget to take a look at your invoices to see your greatly reduced prices!

If you have been meaning to put an order in for metal goods, now is the perfect time! They are made with 100% stainless steel, so they won’t flake or chip – if your current supply is looking a bit worn, we now have a more affordable, longer lasting product for you.

 

On another note, we are constantly reorganizing our warehouse and have unearthed quite a few incredible antique artifacts. 

These photos are just a small sampling of the dazzling décor we have in stock; or - if there is something specific you need, feel free to contact Kier Fullmer or Michelie Marshall and give us the specifics. If you can dream it, chances are we can make it for you!



May 8, 2008

The Valencia Group to Open Trader Vic’s in Downtown LA

Los Angeles , DATE - The Valencia Group, a Los Angeles-based restaurant management group, announced plans for the 2009 opening of legendary Trader Vic’s in Downtown Los Angeles. The group is currently evaluating several locations for the restaurant near the Nokia Theatre and the Staples Center.

“We're trying to find just the right location so we can bring the full Trader Vic’s experience back to Los Angeles,” said John Valencia, a native Angeleno and Senior Partner of The Valencia Group. “Trader Vic’s devotees who have missed the signature food, tiki bar drinks and top-notch service will definitely be able to get it all at the new Trader Vic’s LA.

Trader Vic’s LA will feature the classic tiki decor and atmosphere that helped establish the Trader Vic's brand in Beverly Hills. Most nights of the week, Trader Vic's LA will host live entertainment, including Polynesian dancers and singers.

“As Los Angeles natives, we’re proud to be part of the Downtown renaissance,” said Valencia. “There’s a rich history of great fine dining restaurants here and, with the increase in residents and businesses relocating Downtown, we think Trader Vic’s will be bustling.”

Restaurant industry sales are expected to increase by 4.4 percent in 2008, with most people spending 48 percent of their food budget on restaurant dining, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast. This report also states that hot food and drink trends include ethnic cuisines and flavors and specialty alcohol.   “We are very excited to see Trader Vic’s return to Los Angeles,” said Sven Koch, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Global Operations for Trader Vics.  “The Valencia Group’s vision for their restaurant honors our storied past and we are confident that not only will our long time customers be pleased, but that Trader Vic’s Los Angeles will attract a whole new generation of fans.”

Trader Vic’s is known for bringing Polynesian dining and entertainment to the U.S. The company’s founder, Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron, invented the Mai Tai in 1944, a drink that has continued to enjoy popularity around the world. Founded in 1934, Trader Vic’s Inc. is a group of company-owned and franchised restaurants. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Trader Vic’s has locations stretching from the United States to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For more information about The Valencia Group or Trader Vic’s LA, contact John Valencia via e-mail at John@tradervicsla.com. Visit www.tradervicsla.com to purchase your Trader Vic's LA limited edition mug.

# # #

Contact: Lisa Elia Phone: 310-479-0216
Fax: 888-548-5950
e-mail: lisaeliapr@aol.com


 

June 23, 2007

Good News!

The Gourmet Foods section of tradervics.com is now up and running.


February 28, 2007

Robert Davies to Spearhead Trader Vic's Global Growth

Board of Directors Announces Appointment of New President/CEO

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Board of Directors of Trader Vic's has announced the appointment of Robert L. Davies as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the global restaurant group known for it's fusion cooking, luxurious theme dining and the creation of the Mai Tai cocktail.

"We are pleased to welcome Robert to the Trader Vic's family," said Charles Hufford, Board Chairman. "His twenty years of international culinary, hospitality and management expertise will be instrumental to the continued growth of our chain both here in the United States and around the world."

A native Australian, Davies has extensive experience in international markets, multi-unit and multi-concept operations including concept development, marketing, and national roll-outs. Prior to joining Trader Vic's, Davies oversaw Business Development activities for the Australian Trade Commission where he was directly responsible for a multi-million dollar increase in wine imports to the United States.

As President and CEO, Davies will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the Trader Vic's empire that continues to expand around the world with both company-owned and franchised restaurants.

The newest Trader Vic's restaurant will open February 28, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. Other recent new Trader Vic's openings include Shanghai, China; Bellevue, Washington; Destin, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona. Additional 2007 openings are slated for Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; Maui, Hawaii; Doha, Qatar; Amman, Jordan; and Beijing, China.

The global expansion has literally taken off. Trader Vic's has partnered with United Airlines to offer Polynesian-inspired lunch and dinner selections on all mainland flights to and from Hawaii as well as the signature Trader Vic's Mai Tai in both United First¨ and United Business¨. The overwhelming response led United to expand the Trader Vic's offerings to United flights from Tokyo to Singapore; Hong Kong, Bangkok and Taiwan.

"It's an honor to join Trader Vic's," said Davies. "We are seeing a great resurgence in the Trade Vic's brand, not only around the world, but here in the United States. Many of our loyal guests grew up with Trader Vic's and have fond memories of our restaurants. I am proud that I will be able to carry on the legacy of the Trader as we share it with new and old friends alike around the world."

Founded in 1934, Trader Vic's Inc. is a group of company-owned and franchised restaurants. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Trader Vic's has locations stretching from the United States to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information visit www.tradervics.com.


November 8, 2006

We are proud to announce additions to the Trader Vic's collection of fine dining restaurants.

Our careful expansion continues with new openings booked for in Shanghai Central, China in December, 2006; Dallas, Texas in February, 2007; and Las Vegas, Nevada in June, 2007. We are also pleased to announce the planned opening of our first new Trader Vic's Mai Tai Bar in Dubai in April, 2007. The growing popularity of The Trader's restaurant collection is found in new opening plans also being made for openings in late 2007 in Chicago, Illinois; Doha, Qatar; Amman, Jordan and Beijing, China.

Last year, Trader Vic's openings in Bellevue, Washington and Scottsdale, Arizona, were the talk of the town, and are enjoying great success in serving their new clientele. We invite you to please visit these beautiful new additions to the Trader Vic's restaurant family. You can take a tour by clicking on our locations under Restaurants.

And for our world travelers, The Trader's visionary combination of quality ingredients and fresh seasonal offerings can be found aloft! United's flights to the Hawaiian Island's have been serving our famous Mai Tai and several entrŽe selections designed by Trader Vic's exclusively for United for the past year. Due to its popularity, this tasty amenity has now been added to United flights from Tokyo to Singapore; Hong Kong, Bangkok and Taiwan in first and business class.

The worldwide appeal of Trader Vic's unique cuisine, quality ingredients and world famous cocktails is gaining culinary momentum and appeal. Visit us soon! Check back often.