Hula's Modern Tiki

Lighting

2009-10-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Been tweaking lighting all week. Think its finally working in the dining area. Still not happy with lighting in restrooms, but closer now.

We are open!!

2009-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Have been too busy to post on here recently. Yes, we are open. Opened the doors Monday. Been great, very good weekend. Response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We have worked through a few opening night kinks, will constantly tweak until its as close to perfection as possible. More landscaping going in. The menu is limited, but 80% complete. WIll go to a full menu by mid next week. All is very good.

Sliding table

2009-09-25T12:03:00.001-07:00

No one on our team has done one before, so a learning curves has been tested. This is basically a 700 lb., 16 ft long i beam. After we had the tables figured out, how to slide them and lock them in, we tested with a seated person. What we found is when your knee hits the i beam because of its "T" shape at the top and bottom, in this case the bottom being the knee whacking culprit, we had a mad Russian iron worker come in and weld away the bottom "T". This gave clearance for the knees on both sides.

Please mote: Anyone over 6'8" might still whack their knees. Good thing I am not a Phoenix Suns fan. Ok, their growing on me.

Bar case filled and lit

2009-09-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Filled the case and lit with 3 different Roscoe filters to turn florescent light into sunset amber light. Bar rail going in right this minute, which will also keep the bar stools from hitting the glass front.

She's Kicking!

2009-09-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Feel so close. A very proud moment as we were testing the projector and audio this evening. Our tech Boyd did a great job, and even stuck with me as I had him move the projector back 10 ft. to get a larger image on the wall. No small feet at 35 ft off the cement floor.

Really seeing the vision become reality now. I'm playing with lighting, just waiting for filters to arrive. Hanging artwork today, will continue tomorrow. We are so close. Here is an iphone photo at might, which the iphone without a flash has a tough time pulling of, but you can get a sense of it. 8 days and counting.

Getting There

2009-09-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

We are very close. Most inspections passed today except electrical, which will pass tomorrow with some tweaking and adding. Patio is stained and sealed. As you can see in this photo the fireplace is in. Needs to be capped in steel. The small canopy over the garage doors will be wrapped in steel. Next week the translucent blue wall will be going around the patio. The interior is very close to complete. I will take some photos next Monday when the place is really ready. Will be playing with the interior lighting this weekend and early next week. Also the exterior lighting will be complete. Lighting is extremely important and my favorite part of creating a space.

Hung that Paper!

2009-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Nice job papering the interior lower bar wall today. Glass shelving going in tomorrow, then glass front, stainless framing. Will be ready to fill with vintage mugs and period pieces.

Forgot to take photos of the prepped patio surface. Pouring cement Friday and building center fire pit that will be faced in lava rook. Will get many updates on here next Tuesday evening. Off to Santa Cruz and Monterey for a 4 day Labor Day weekend.

Collages

2009-09-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

These are two of 5 panels printed on photo paper that will be installed by a wall paper hanger tomorrow in the cabinets underneath the bar. Will photograph it and post when done.

Wood Slat Wall

2009-09-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

Slow going, lots of measuring to do this type of wood treatment on a wall. Mike finished it today. Now need to decide on sanding and keeping it natural wood, or painting. Very much leaning on keeping it wood, but really have to see how pinewood holds up to varnish. Not always that well. Will test tomorrow.

Bar top set

2009-08-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

This happened actually late last week, but forgot to include the photo. Update for this weekend. The rest of the interior space floors will be done Sat. and Sun. Next week the patio will be poured, and I think all of the finish carpentry will be done in the bar. We will also have electricity turned on so the best part for me will start. Playing with lighting at night.

Tiki cabinet above dining.

2009-08-28T20:01:00.001-07:00

Playing with color, not liking this. Tried 3 reds and a no go. Was my original choice, but does not work. Hey, I can admit when I am wrong. Leaning towards a light blue now that I really like. Also have 3 tile samples coming to possibly do a tile treatment in the cases. We shall see.

Bar cabinet

2009-08-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

The underneath cabinet is taking shape. Bar face will be wallpapered in custom photo collage, lit from within the cabinet, trimmed in stainless and covered with glass panels. Filling with vintage tiki mugs, and nic nac from mid century lifestyle.

Wood strip Wall

2009-08-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Something I saw in an architectural magazine from Europe called Objekt. We will go 12 ft high across the entire west wall in the bar area. above this will be the white wall that we will project vintage surf films and other relevant films to the overall mid century lifestyle. Does From Here to Eternity work? I know the pilot of Hawaii 5-0 does.

Kitchen Taking Shape

2009-08-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

Equipment starting to be installed. A few minor changes to be made, looking good though.

Bankets in

2009-08-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Upholstered bankets installed today. One adjustment, will put a wood cap on the top, do not like the fabric cap that they put on. Other then that I think they look great.

Tables in NYC

2009-08-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Saw these in a restaurant in NYC this weekend. I think we need to switch the dark wood tables along the bankets in the main dining to these white tables. I think it might get too dark in the room, white tables would keep it lighter.

Canopies

2009-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

These came out very well. Provides a ceiling to hang our custom pendant lights that will hang over the bar. That's Mike, our finishing carpenter, doing a great job.

Also adds a dimension and breaks up the space a bit, making the bar feel much more cozy when all is said and done.

Garage Doors

2009-08-18T21:51:00.001-07:00

We had to rework the doors so they moved up the wall and between the beams. In the end it worked out, but would have gone much better if the sales guy actually did a "field measure", so we could have saved a lot of time on this.

Electrical

2009-08-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

I tried the "Electrical for Dummies" book, but that only got me so far. Anyone know which wire is the ground?

We Have Doors!!!

2009-08-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

Front doors in gives me the same feeling that you might get when seeing your name in a phonebook for the first time. I am somebody!!!

Wood paneled Walls.

2009-08-06T17:33:00.001-07:00

FInally have the finish carpenters coming in to start the details of the space. This is one of the two walls that are being trimmed out. Wood will be sanded and sealed with a clear matte varnish.

Steel frames

2009-08-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Most of the doorways will be wrapped in steel. This is the framing that one of four garage doors will close into. The steel will be acid washed, then sealed.

Interior Walls

2009-08-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Walls ready to paint. Floors ready for cement and glazing. Restaurant pretty much ready for the next 4 weeks of finish work and design elements. Hopeful that it all comes together smoothly.

Bar Doors

2009-08-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

These are the two doors that will roll up into the bar and seating. Two of the community bar height tables will have the ability to roll out and onto the patio, just under the original wood beam supports.

Exterior Ready

2009-08-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Stuccoed the building last week, finishing touches, not paint ready. Notice that the garage doors finally came, two out of the four installed. Need to make some adjustments on the hanging, but look great. Will be detailing the door jams in wrapped steel.

The upper canopy, above the doors will be wrapped in steel, with the Hula's logo above and to the left. On the side wall(right in the photo), will have a wood and tile detail 10 ft. wide, going down the center of the wall. Oh, and do not worry, that original metal roof is getting a fresh coat of new paint, won't give the color away just yet.

MUNK TIKI

2009-07-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many incredible Munk Tiki creations going in the 24 ft bar case. Paul and Miles were incredibly generous in sharing with me their collection. Most very rare, and many collectors around the world would kill for. This one, the top bullion piece removes, a liquor concoction of your choice is poured in, then sipped with straws through holes in the top. This is one of 50 produced. Can't wait to unwrap all the others sitting in boxes, waiting to be displayed.

Movie Screen

2009-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is the wall that has been created to separate the upstairs office/storage from the bar. This will also serve as a screen to play vintage surf, current surf, relevant tiki/hawaiian/mid century films(dvd's) from a projector that will be suspended from the ceiling. Can't tell from this photo angle, but the wall is much larger then it seems, 28 ft. high. Below is the kitchen, to the left is the dishwashing area through the doorway, and to the right is the entryway to the new dining area.

I am looking for the Brady Bunch episode in Hawaii, without buying the whole season. Anyone have it, let me know.

From Above

2009-07-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

View looking down on bar from what will be storage and office. Last look as a wall will be completed next week closing this view forever. Although a little peep hole from the office might not be a bad idea. Maybe a little creepy. Love that 18 foot front window from any angle. The blue is just a film protecting the clear acrylic. Neat light though.

The next couple of weeks are very important as the interior space is really going to come together. The tiki cabinets in the main dining will be installed. The garage doors and front doors will be installed. The dry wall will be taped and painted. The electrical and plumbing will do much of their finish work. The wood slat wall treatments will be installed. The front bar tiki cabinets will be fabricated and installed. We might even be able to air condition the interior for the crew, which have been working in 115 plus degree days. Lots about to happen. Oh, and the interior stucco will most likely be complete, along with pouring the kitchen and back bar floors, and the bar and dining cement finish floors. I believe we will have the canopies over the bar built and the tiled walls behind the bar and in between the bathrooms in the next 3 weeks. Oh, and after that the tile in the restrooms and custom cement sinks. I will photograph and upload on here the changes next Thursday and then the following Friday.

Roof

2009-07-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Found this little door the guys put in for roof access. Seems we forgot to add that to the plans. Nice to see the actual roof for the first time, I really feel like I have a roof over my head now.

Kitchen

2009-07-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Dusty, but its up. Our 14 foot hood system, the main piece of the kitchen went up today.

Garage Doors

2009-07-14T16:51:00.001-07:00

Great to see the openings to the patio area. The garage doors will go in next week. Really going to be wonderful when all the doors on both sides of the patio are rolled up and the entire restaurant will feel open air. Can't wait for October and some cooler weather.

Rocked!!

2009-07-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Drywall pretty much complete after these last pieces are cut and placed in around upper window above garage doors. The windows have been framed in and glass will be installed tomorrow, but if I were these guys I would wait. 114 degrees and I want all the air flow I can get.

Ready for stucco

2009-07-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Exterior will be treated by the end of the week and ready for paint and some finishing details.

Ceiling insulation

2009-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

The ceiling will be exposed, so a white plastic sheet is added over the pink insulation. For one a better visual, also no fiberglass particles falling down onto customers.

I am not happy with how this ceiling will look, we really should have gone with steel support, more architecturally appealing, but budget constraints are a constant. The wood supports look a bit cheap to me and uninteresting. Have to sacrifice some pieces of the puzzle to get others though.

Insulation

2009-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

More exciting stuff. Insulation in and ready for drywall this week.

Copper water lines!!!

2009-07-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Now you cannot deny copper, look at how shiny that stuff is. More, much more to come...

Air Ducts!!!

2009-07-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

or how about air ducts for the air conditioning and heating, now that's exciting...

Exciting...

2009-07-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

Now this is big stuff, not for the faint of heart. Like the fire lines going in...

Old and New Unite!!!

2009-06-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Transition of 1965 original structure to the new dining space. Had to figure out how best to do this, went with the organic approach. Just let them come together and live with the marriage. I am very happy with the result.

More rubble

2009-06-26T10:32:00.001-07:00

Nothing better then a pile of rubble to make men feel manly.

roof is on

2009-06-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well if it rains or a monsoon comes along we are somewhat protected. That's John our master supervisor keeping everyone in line.

Ceiling

2009-06-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sprayed the ceiling this past weekend. The beams, that were sand blasted, will be treated which will bring out the color and make them shimmer. Wanted to go dark to bring more of a warm mood to the room. Ralph Lauren really does make some great colors, this one is "starry midnight".

Bar wall

2009-06-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Nice to be able to see the space take shape. This is the support wall for the bar top. Just the beginning, but gives us an idea of the shape in the space. One thing I have learned, no matter how much experience I have, or how many spaces we have created, the is never enough space. In other words, its going to be a cozy bar.

Garage Doors

2009-06-23T19:38:00.001-07:00

Cutting holes for the 10 ft. wide garage doors that will open up the bar area to the patio and match the two garage doors on the interior dining side of the space, which also open up to the patio.

Ceiling

2009-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well no matter how tough our economy gets at least it looks like we might have a roof over our heads. Wish we could do a glass roof and let all this beautiful light in. Another sunny day in Phoenix.

Awning???Trelis??Eave???

2009-06-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

We cannot figure out the correct term for this feature above the garage doors. Basically an overhang over the doors, will add down lighting, framed in Core 10 steel that will rust. On the right side there will be a light box which will back light lazer cut lettering of our logo inset in the steel. A mouthful, but it will look pretty cool.

Window Continued...

2009-06-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Oh the little window that was...now a window that will have to wait until next weekend to be its new happy self. Apparently acrylic is quite a bit cheaper in Houston, so waiting for it means all the fabrication will also have to wait. Should be completed next week.

Tomorrow will get shots of trellis going up. Now thats exciting. also have to decide what color to do the interior ceiling in the bar area. Had my mind set on Dark brown. but after seeing this shot an looking through window at night, I am starting to lean towards keeping in light. Do not want to shrink the size of the room. Have to think this one over.

Replacing WIndow

2009-06-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Marcus and his worker bees taking out 45 year old window, replacing it this evening into the late hours. Window has an 18 ft. diameter. Will post new framed window when complete. We have to wait for the new acrylic and will be fabricating a steel Tiki God Mask as the center piece of the window.

Links to articles on Hula's Phoenix

2009-06-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Phoenix New Times

AZ Central

AZ Central

Downtown Phoenix Journal

Modern Phoenix

Framing the new section

2009-06-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

17 feet of metal framing looks really high. Guys are flying along, great, great crew.

Cement foundation

2009-06-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Guys poured the foundation today for the new dining area. Walls should start going up this week and the design of the building will begin to take shape. Nothing more exciting then watching cement dry.

We also had a 4 hour meeting, discussing the possibility of opening up the bar wall facing the patio using two garage doors, which will mirror the garage doors on the new space, creating all walls opening to the patio. Wow, hope we can pull this off, would have an amazing effect in creating an entire open air restaurant and bar.

Expanding kitchen window

2009-06-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Standing in the space Friday, we decided that it would be a better visual to have the opening window looking into the kitchen to wrap around the wall, giving a more open, visual effect.

Framing Kitchen

2009-06-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Interior of original building starting to take shape. Walls framed, most of electrical in.

Pouring foundation

2009-06-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

Lots of cement trucks today pouring the foundation. Everything seems to be on scheduale.

2009-05-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Guys laid the plumbing today for the new dining area and restrooms. Inspection tomorrow and then they pour the new cement slab for dining and patio.

New supports

2009-05-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

John and the guys did a great job this week repairing and replacing the 45 year old wood supports to the original building. We will be painting with a weather treated stain to match the original, darker and weathered wood that was saved. Whatever wood was not saved is being given to a local charity to be refurbished.

Demolition begins

2009-05-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Guys were out there all last week tearing up the old tile patio, stripping out the old interior, basically making the place look like someone blew up a few kegs of dynamite. Amazing what a backhoe can do in a day. Wish I knew how to operate one of those.

And it begins...again

2009-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

After more than three years of begging, pleading, searching, applying, vetting, financing, etc. the Phoenix incarnation of HULA'S is finally coming to fruition. I fell in love with this restaurant in Monterey, CA in 2001 and knew from the moment I walked in the first time that I would eventually bring it to our town. Our goal is to keep the foundation of what made HULA'S great, but add a modern, urban twist to reflect what's happening in the Central Corridor. We want to respect the architecture of the original building (once a place called Heap's Big Beef in 1965) and the community, while embracing the retro essence of the rat pack era from the late '50's and early '60's, retaining a large part of the original menu and strategically applying artwork and accents that reflect the origin of HULA'S.

Any of you who have driven by recently probably noticed that we finally broke ground. Although I have yet to experience fatherhood, I can only liken opening a restaurant to being a parent. You slowly watch it gestate, then be born, then do your very best to instill in it all the things you truly believe in, hoping and praying the entire time that the end result will garner the acceptance and love of the community as a whole.

We look forward to seeing you all at a table in the very near future for some great, modern island cuisine, and more importantly in this current world, a little bit of human interaction, nurturing and soul.