Shanghaiist: Trader Vic's to close?

snippets

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:51 +0800

Scotttt.... care to comment on your previous, very confident post? "I have to register today so I can make a comment on this redicilous post. Yes, I am from Trader Vic's & Frankies, and actually I am the Director of Sales & Marketing. It is absolutely not true the any of our restaurants are going to close in the future."

T

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:31:04 +0800

Whoopie, another crappy restaurant with overpriced food may stay open (for another couple of months). I still won't go there. When the hell is Lawry's opening up? That's a much more important question than the imminent closing of a poor restaurant concept. I want my prime rib, dammit.

EL JEFE

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 19:22:34 +0800

Maybe the monies from the lawsuit will keep this place open until the St. Valentine Day. BTW, website=FAIL.

scotttt

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:48:57 +0800

Instead of posting official statement regarding this ridiculous “news”, we would like to post our St Valentine's Menu on February 14, 2008. For RMB588 per person, you will have a 5-course menu with a glass of champagne or a cocktai for couple to share plus a gift for ladies. More detail can be found on our website at www.tradervicschina.com.

scotttt

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:43:52 +0800

I have to register today so I can make a comment on this redicilous post. Yes, I am from Trader Vic's & Frankies, and actually I am the Director of Sales & Marketing. It is absolutely not true the any of our restaurants are going to close in the future. In fact, On December 12th, we just opened another Trader Vic's in Beijing, and we have launched a new website of www.tradervicschina.com. I do appreciate if this non-sense article can make Trader Vic's Shanghai in the center of discussion, yet, I have to admit that this is not the right way we want for attention. I have sent an email to Mr. Washburn to kindly remove this post off the website. Although this is an open space on internet, however, when it comes to intentionally damage a restaurant's reputation, certain actions will be taken.

santochino

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:34:22 +0800

pete, i'm a fan of your writing on the f&b industry in the city, but i'm curious about this info. i've also heard whispers about Frankie's recently, but when i called to check yesterday, Paolo, the manager, vehemently denied it. i just called him now, after reading this, and he says it's absolutely not true - Frankie's is not going to be shuttering on New Year's Eve. the cynic in me is well aware that no one is going to be forthcoming about a closing, but Paolo has always struck me as honest and forthcoming. it's true they're not making a ton of money, but those pockets run very deep. their questionable choice of location seems to me like an investment in the future, when that area goes through its building transformation. or it could just be a really stupid choice. i wonder if it's a case of sour grapes. as i understand it, they (i'm not sure if it's trader vic's or frankie's) recently lost a manager, and it's plausible he's spreading malicious rumors. granted, it's also possible he knows the true, behind-the-scenes story, but i think i'm going to give Frankie's, and Paolo, the benefit of the doubt in this case. it strikes me the wrong way to post such a lengthy discussion of their business prospects, and their ostensibly imminent failing, without bothering to cite a source. and, no, i have zero business interest in their continued operation or imminent failure. just another industry watcher. stc