The Inland Echo

By Otto von Stroheim

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, RECESSION, HARD TIMES…..whatever you choose call it, we are once again in rough waters with regard to the legacy, and survival of Sam’s Seafood / Kona.

I just spoke with Chuck Purrington, the current owner of KONA, and basically Kona has hit the end of the road. With a notice to vacate the premises , it is very real, and the days are for Kona numbered.

A few people have approached Chuck about buying the business, but nothing has materialized….BUT…..

There IS a ray of HOPE.

The son of the 2nd owner of Sam’s stopped by and visited Chuck a few nights ago. His dad took over the business in the the late 50′s (not exactly sure of the date) and built the current A Frame location of Sam’s, after the original Sam’s Seafood Spa burned down. We’re talking about the one who turned Sam’s seafood into THE “SAM’S SEAFOOD” – ie: the TIKI version of SAM’S – The one we all know and love.

Anyway, he sat with Chuck and told stories of celebrities like Jack LaLane and Victor Mature being regulars, and how him and his brother carved some of the Tikis in there, and how he used to spend his summer washing dishes at Sam’s.

He expressed interest in buying the business back, and even turning back into Sam’s again. Apparently, he has the capital, and although he’s older now (70-ish) really is considering making a go of it.

Here’s where the TIKI OHANA comes in.

Let’s help him make his decision easier for him.

If you’d like to see the Sam’s legacy continue, a simple email is all I’m asking for. Tell this guy how much you love Sam’s and how you’d love to see it continue, rather than sit vacant and boarded up.

Please send your emails to cpurrington@socal.rr.com

We all know the ups and downs of Sam’s / Kona, but this is one of the last remaining original Tiki Temples in SoCal, especially one as big as it is.. 15,000 sq ft of Original Tikidom…..It NEEDS to be saved.

***As far as the Salute to the Swordfish Art Show scheduled for Feb 28th, please check this thread for updates :

http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/viewtopic.php?topic=31170&forum=17

C’mon folks, take 5 minutes and write and email – We all get annoyed about the fact that we don’t have any ore of the classic Tiki Temples around anymore, so here’s our chance to tilt the scales. I know it’s a bit of a long shot, but if there is enough outpouring of love for Sam’s, it could just convince this guy to continue the legacy started by his father.

If nothing else, if you have been at the Tikiyaki Orchestra shows, you know how great the Hidden Village and Kona Banquet rooms are. I want to continue hosting tiki events there, we’ve had some amazing times there with the TC Ohana and the band.

Thanx for reading.

Jim / Tikiyaki Orchestra

Jim Bacchi
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
http://www.tikiyakiorchestra

Related posts:

1. Tiki King and the Idol Pleasures do shows in L.A. and Carlsbad
2. HGTV to air Tiki Office episode
3. Hukilau 2008 merchandise pre-sale; more Exotica radio
4. Surf, hot rod and tiki themes dominate new art show in Costa Mesa
5. Tonga Room reopens March 20; Columbus Ohio Tiki event; cool Surf show in Alameda; Surf show at Mai Kai