So What's Next? Urban Chic? Bohemian Comfort? Themes?

I guess this group could also be about concept design as much as restaurant facility design so let's discuss.

Over the past 30 years, I've seen a lot of changes in restaurant design. From trains (Victoria Station), planes (Caribbean Zone, SF) and automobiles (Auto Pub, NYC), to ultra urban chic (Nobu, Las Vegas), the cluttered (Joe's Crab Shack), the outrageous (Planet Hollywood) and the refined (Aqua, SF) and the comfortible (Houston's).

So what's next in successful restaurant design and concept development...what's a hit and what is a miss.

Here is my vote to start.

1. Trade Vic's in Las Vegas - Miss.

Sorry, Trader Vic's has legacy and context. So, where's the bamboo, the palm trees, the fun, tropical music, aloha shirts and uniforms, the coconut prawns? Gez, Margaritaville a few doors down is ugly as hell and does $40 million a year. TV's is way too slick. Vic would feel uncomfortable here.

Old School Trader Vic's Design

At the new Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

The History of Trader Vic

The bartenders are great and they make an excellent drink. The appetizers are fine. It's just not Trader Vic's...it could be anywhere and could be any concept...but this design does not live up to Trader Vic's legacy.