1. Trader Vics

Name of a chain of Tiki-themed restaurants.

It is generally accepted that Don the Beachcombers was the first to adopt Polynesian Pop, and Trader Vics helped popularize it.

The Trader Vics began in 1932 when Victor Bergeron used $700 of his savings to open a pub named Hinky Dinks in Oakland, California. Bergeron began to sell tropical-themed drinks and food.

By 1936, Hinky Dinks was remodeled into a full tropical theme and renamed Trader Vics. Trader Vics expanded globaly in the years after World War Two, to 25 establishments. Trader Vics also produced an assortment of books, drink mixes, and foodstuffs that were sold under the Trader Vics brand.

During the years that Tiki was in decline, a number of Trader Vics outlets were closed. Some Trader Vics are said to have toned down the Polynesian theme in favor of nautical theme. At the current time, Trader Vics' Emeryville, California facility is the company's flagship store.

Trader Vics claims credit for inventing the Mai Tai in 1944.


Updated July 15, 2004