This year has been significant for the Tiki and Polynesian Pop scene in the Sunshine State for both its ups and downs. Luckily, the high points have been more plentiful than the lows with 2024 marked by the arrival of the first new Don the Beachcomber restaurant in decades, the debut of the Tiki-a-Go-Go event, and the triumphant return of the Mai-Kai.
But in true Tiki fashion, there’s always a little bittersweet that goes into any potent cocktail. In this historic year, that meant a tumultuous hurricane season that wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, leading to the temporary closing of Don the Beachcomber in Madeira Beach, and heavy damage elsewhere.
Tiki bars feel the brunt of the storms
• Don the Beachcomber: Down but not out
• The Honu: Turbulent season takes its toll
• Bar Tiki: Weeks of closures but miraculously unscathed
But resilience is a hallmark of the southernmost mainland state, and we’re happy to report that this year’s hurricane season did not deliver a knockout punch. To the contrary, many of those affected by the storms have emerged stronger than ever, poised for an even more memorable 2025.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was an extremely active and devastating one, reportedly the second-costliest on record with more than $220 billion in damage. Three hurricanes made landfall in Florida: Debby (Aug. 5), Helene (Sept. 26), and Milton (Oct. 10). The category 1 Debby brought heavy rain, flooding and widespread power outages to Florida’s Big Bend, but it was just a hint at what was still to come.
Jump to more below
• Florida Tiki spotlighted in Exotica Moderne magazine
Bonus cocktail recipe: Hurricane Dunder
The category 4 Helene caused widespread damage from the Gulf Coast to North Carolina. It was the deadliest hurricane to affect the continental U.S. since Katrina in 2005, with more than 150 deaths. In Florida, the storm cut a path of destruction from Naples and Fort Myers through Sarasota, Tampa and all the way to Tallahassee.
The category 3 Milton brought significant damage with a destructive storm surge resulting in many homes and businesses damaged. Milton’s impact still lingers with debris clean-ups across Central Florida and residents near bodies of water still dealing with flooding, according to Orlando’s WESH 2.
Our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this year’s calamitous tropical weather, especially those who lost loved ones. This story is intended as snapshot of how several of Florida’s most high-profile Tiki establishments were impacted and how they pulled through in a time of crisis.
As my story in the current issue of Exotica Moderne shows, we’re all looking forward to a fresh start in 2025 as we build a bigger and better Tiki community. Check our Tiki Times guide for the latest event announcements and follow our continuing coverage on the blog all year.
I’d also like to thank the staff and owners of the businesses below for their dedication to their customers, and for answering our questions amid the many other challenges they faced this season. To everyone reading this, please make it a point to support and patronize these establishments all year long.
Don the Beachcomber: Down but not out
One year ago, we were eagerly anticipating the opening of the first rebooted Don the Beachcomber in Madeira Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. After a grand opening in February, the restaurant was chugging along fine, with glowing reviews from locals and Tiki tourists alike … until disaster struck.
Located in a large space on the ground floor of the Cambria Hotel, Don the Beachcomber is just a quarter mile from picturesque beaches sitting directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great perk for guests in nearly every circumstance except one.
When Helene arrived, the hurricane caused significant damage to Madeira Beach. It brought up to 18 feet of waves at the mouth of Tampa Bay, less than 10 miles away. The storm surge overtopped seawalls, causing sand to wash onto streets and houses and cause structural damage.
Unfortunately, this is what happened at the Cambria, where the Don the Beachcomber space had little protection against the surge. The rest of the hotel, elevated on the floors above, was not severely impacted. In fact, the Cambria stepped up following both Helene and Milton, offering many displaced locals a safe place to stay.
“This hotel was my guiding light, because there was only this hotel and the two other condos that had power,” one resident told News Channel 8. Said hotel general manager Steve Lambert: “We had 125 folks who had been torn out of their homes, lost their cars, maybe had the shirt on their back and maybe their favorite pet in arm.”
The hotel property “sustained minimal damage,” according to a statement on the official website. The Don the Beachcomber space was an exception, however, with water and sand intrusion causing widespread damage. An official statement on social media posted Sept. 30 said only that “Don the Beachcomber is closed until further notice. Our hearts are with all affected by Hurricane Helene.”
There was no further news for the next eight weeks, leading to much concern among fans of the newly revived historic brand. We reached out to Justin Peterson, creative director for Don the Beachcomber as well as other brands owned by parent company 23 Restaurant Services, who graciously offered some details.
Don the Beachcomber “took a pretty bit hit … as did Tiki Docks in St. Pete,” Peterson said. “Our crews have been hard at work since the storms passed to get those restaurants back up and running, and we’re getting very close to wrapping up the repair work.”
An official statement and photos were posted on Instagram and Facebook on Dec. 5, announcing that Don the Beachcomber will return in early 2025. “We’re working hard over here at Don the Beachcomber to recover from Hurricane Helene and Milton as we plan to reopen in January. We can’t wait to be back sipping with you in the new year,” the post said.
Photos show much of the decor intact, but what appears to be damage to the floor and lower walls. We also understand that kitchen and bar equipment will need to be replaced. Follow the Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on the reopening.
The new sister concept, the Morgan’s Cove speakeasy in Tampa, was closed only minimally during both hurricanes. The highly immersive space opened in July near the 23 Restaurant Services headquarters, attached to another company restaurant, Yeoman’s British pub.
Tiki Docks is set to reopen in St. Petersburg on Dec. 11 after closing in the wake of Helene, according to a post on the official Instagram page. The second location in Riverview, south of Tampa, weathered both storms and reopened Oct. 17 following Milton.
Despite the setbacks, 23 Restaurant Services continues to expand rapidly, opening a new Tiki Docks on Nov. 25 in Port Orange, near Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast. The 18,000-square-foot restaurant is similar to the other locations with a indoor-outdoor Florida dockside theme, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails.
While it might not be traditional Tiki like Don the Beachcomber, don’t overlook the cocktails. The menus have been upgraded and reinvigorated by Marie King, the 23 Restaurants Services director of beverage who came to the company specifically to create the cocktails for the Don the Beachcomber locations. The veteran Southern California bar manager now oversees a growing empire.
It’s not known if the hurricane recovery efforts and other projects (including new Ford’s Garage restaurants) will delay the rollout of future Don the Beachcomber and Gantt Reserve Collection restaurants and bars. The official website lists a new Don the Beachcomber coming to Hamlin, near Disney World in Central Florida, in 2025. The next Gantt Reserve speakeasy is reportedly planned for Plantation in South Florida, also next year.
Peterson has also been busy with new Don the Beachcomber merchandise, announced on social media Dec. 5. His “Wooden Donn” Tiki mug, produced by Tiki Farm, is now available at Shop.DonBeachcomber.com along with much of the previous mugs, glassware, apparel and more. Help support the restaurant and fill your holiday shopping needs in one stop.
“There’s been some mugs in the past that featured a bust of Donn, but I felt like they never quite got his spirit (or likeness!) correct,” Peterson wrote on Instagram. “Hopefully I’ve done the Godfather of Tiki proud! It’s really an honor to play in the Don the Beachcomber sandbox. Can’t wait to show you all what’s next!”
One of the “coming soon” projects also involves John Mulder and Eekum Bookum Tiki Mugs, who previously designed and produced a mug for the grand opening. His next project is what he called a “double hurricane bucket mug” featuring Donn Beach’s likeness that he shared on social media. These mugs will be sold only at the grand reopening of the restaurant, according to Mulder.
The Honu: Turbulent season takes its toll
The Honu is a family-run Hawaiian-style restaurant and Tiki bar in Dunedin, just three blocks from Gulf Coast waters. It opened in 2016 in a converted bungalow-style house, offering a quaint old Florida style experience but not a whole lot of protection from the state’s most vicious weather.
A signature Hawaiian Ku tiki carving by Patrick Vassar didn’t survive Hurricane Debby. “We tried throughout the years to protect him from the elements but his time has gone,” according to an Aug. 6 post on the official Facebook page. “We will eventually replace Ku with another protector. Thank you to our friends to help remove him with respect and dignity.”
Lacking their guardian tiki, fingers were crossed when Helene came ashore. Closing on Sept. 26, The Honu survived the storm and reopened for limited service with no internet on Sept. 28. They went through the same drill for Milton, closing Oct. 6 to prep for the hurricane. A video posted on Instagram on Oct. 10 showed a wind-swept outdoor area, but not a lot of damage. “No power but we’re good!”
Power was back in time to reopen on Oct. 12 after a six-day closure. The business was back, but some staff and many in the community remained without power or with more serious damage. “All small businesses and their staff are suffering right now so please be kind and patient as our whole community heals,” said a post on The Honu’s Facebook page.
According to owner Kimberly Platt, they lost a few fences and dealt with a lot of tree debris after Milton. It was exhausting, both physically and mentally, for the small operation and staff. “We have amazing friends and staff that came to help,” Platt said.
But others weren’t so lucky. Platt said she was saddened to see heart-breaking destruction throughout the area. “We will recover, and the people of Dunedin have come together in such a trying time that we can only be grateful for what we have.”
Her request from the greater Tiki community is simple: Support. “Spend the dollars if you have it as we all need it! Bring the Aloha and we truly believe we will all be OK!”
Another opportunity to help the community is around the corner. The Honu will host the Florida Rum Society’s Holiday Meetup & Toy Drive on Dec. 11. Donations of a new, unopened and unwrapped toys will earn you a complimentary cocktail.
On Dec. 21, The Honu is joining forces with Bar Tiki for the Tipsy Ohana Xmas Tour, a special event that includes a shuttle between both venues. The intent is to celebrate the community and support for local businesses. Tickets include transportation, pictures with Santa and the Grinch, ornament and mug painting, live music, Christmas movies, and more. A gingerbread house contest will benefit the Suncoast Animal League.
Bar Tiki: Weeks of closures but miraculously unscathed
When you think of businesses that are the most vulnerable during intense tropical weather, an outdoor rooftop Tiki bar near the ocean would probably be high on the list. But Bar Tiki in Clearwater Beach miraculously survived the 2024 hurricane season with little lasting impact beyond lost business.
Opened in 2021, Bar Tiki is located on the third floor of the waterfront Marina Market and Food Hall at 25 Causeway Blvd. The outgoing crew quickly immersed themselves in Florida’s Tiki scene, including pop-ups at The Hukilau, Tiki-a-Go-Go, and Tiki Fever.
Bar Tiki closed Sept. 25 in advance of Helene, reopening on Oct. 4. They closed again on Oct. 7 to prepare for Milton, reopening on Oct. 14. As it turns out, the rooftop location turned out to be a blessing in disguise as other restaurants in the building suffered much more damage. But still, 16 days of closure was not insignificant.
The bar postponed a craft marketplace event from October to November, but events are now back in full swing. Look for a holiday marketplace on Dec. 15. Manager Devon Lopez said they’re looking forward to their annual New Year’s Eve party on the rooftop and putting 2024 behind them.
Florida Tiki spotlighted in Exotica Moderne magazine
I had the pleasure of penning an article for issue 25 of Exotica Moderne magazine, which hit the streets in November 2024. The idea was pitched to editor Ken Holewczynski in June as an overview of the burgeoning scene in the Sunshine State with a focus on the new Tiki-a-Go-Go event, the revival of the Don the Beachcomber brand, and the return of the Mai-Kai – topics covered extensively on The Atomic Grog.
The story, titled “The New Tiki Hotspot,” was enhanced by original artwork from Justin Peterson, the man behild all the new Don the Beachcomber merchandise. The 23 Restaurant Services creative director presciently dropped the title ominously into into the Gulf of Mexico like a looming storm that none of us had any idea would be coming soon. The story and artwork were submitted weeks before Hurricane Helene took aim for Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Part of the reason for this blog story is to update Exotica Moderne readers on how Florida fared after hurricanes Helene and Milton. As detailed above, the state has proven to be resilient in the face of such disasters, and 2024 is no exception. We’re happy to report that the state’s Tiki scene will emerge just as strong as ever when all is said and done.
I hope the 1,300-word story in Exotica Moderne stands as a tribute to Florida Tiki, circa 2024, and sets the stage for a successful 2025. Print runs are limited, so be sure to pick up a copy of from the House of Tabu before they sell out.
The festive holiday cover is a tribute to Tiki Farm’s upcoming 25th anniversary, detailed in a story by company founder Holden Westland. The full-color magazine also includes stories on California’s restored Royal Hawaiian, artists Jeff Granito and Chrissy Weena, Tommy Tam and Chinese restaurants carrying the Tiki torch, The Exotic Sounds of Skip Heller, plus much more.
Here’s the intro to the story, which spans pages 26 through 31 …
NEW TIKI HOTSPOT
Florida quickly becoming the place to “Go-Go”
By Jim “Hurricane” Hayward
The Sunshine State is no longer just about beaches and theme parks. “Tiki tourism” is blooming, boosted by a major new event, a revived iconic brand, and the return of a Polynesian palace.
Orlando’s Tiki-a-Go-Go, which will welcome its second swarm of attendees in April 2025, celebrates all things Florida with a focus on education and the state’s history as a tourist mecca. The event organizers – Mary & Jason Wescoat and Jenna & Jose Villasana – are longtime supporters of Florida Tiki. They believe that a united scene creates the best atmosphere for a lifestyle based on the spirit of aloha and ‘ohana.
Their first event sold out in 2024, and they’re poised to make Tiki-a-Go-Go the premiere destination for travelers looking for a family-oriented yet traditional Polynesian Pop weekender. By working Disney World and the stellar Tiki bars of central Florida into the agenda, they’re off to a great start.
But that’s not the only reason tikiphiles should have the state high on their 2025 itinerary. The rebooted Don the Beachcomber brand already has two Florida locations and two more in the works. With beverage director Marie King and designer Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo leading the way, the new DTB is living up to the promise of its namesake – Tiki bar pioneer Donn Beach.
For many, a trip to Florida would not be complete without a stop at the granddaddy of all Tiki temples, The Mai-Kai. For the first time since 2020, that will now be possible after the completion of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration. Led by creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, the attention to detail in the reimagination of the 67-year-old restaurant is astounding.
Here are some highlights of a Tiki road trip to arguably the most tropical of all the continental states …
• Order your copy for the rest of the story, and also see the cool design and photos. Additional photos above and below did not appear in print.
Tiki-a-Go-Go updates: Since the story went to press, Tiki-a-Go-Go has announced additional presenters, including Spike Marble, Garret Richard, Tiki Tom-Tom, Matt “Rum Wonk” Pietrek, Jim Bacchi, David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe, Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White, Tommy Tam, and Jeff Kozan. Tickets went on sale in August, including the $300 Adventurers Pass and $400 Jetsetter Pass. The latter includes the event mug by Eekum Bookum’s John Mulder and a Tiki-a-Go-Go Zombie glass designed by Mookie Sato.
• Go to TikiaGoGoevent.com for updated info and tickets
RELATED COVERAGE
EXCLUSIVE: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide
Check out all past news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and resurrection of the Polynesian palace.
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan’s Cove speakeasy in Tampa
The revival of the iconic brand has entered a new chapter with the opening of the first Gantt Reserve Collection bar.
Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
• Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender in South Florida
PHOTOS & VIDEO: First Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
Bonus cocktail recipe
The Hurricane, in its classic form, can be a simple but outstanding cocktail. It could even be considered one of the most underrated rum drinks (as declared recently by Derek Cole on the Make and Drink channel on YouTube. If you want to dive deep into an authentic version, check out these videos:
• Classic Hurricane: Make and Drink | Spike’s Breezeway | How to Drink
You can also find historic and modern recipes in the new book, Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient (2024, Classic San Diego), detailed in another Make and Drink video featuring co-author Gregorio Pantoja. Where the Hurricane typically goes south, unfortunately, is when mainstream restaurants and bars, epecicially tourist traps like Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, veer off track and bastardize the drink. This typically involves inferior ingredients and recipes that downplay the rum and turn the mighty Hurricane into a fruity punch.
Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola
We’ve featured a few high-quality contemporary versions on The Atomic Grog over the years, but it’s about time we dip into our little black book and reveal some of our more potent secret Hurricane recipes. This one is a lot more complex than the original, but it’s definitely worth your time. Not unlike preparing for an oncoming storm, you’ll be glad your went to the extra effort.
HURRICANE DUNDER
(By Hurricane Hayward / The Atomic Grog)
• 2 ounces Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Jamaican rum (86 proof)
• 1 ounce Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black or Gold rum (93 proof)
• 1 ounce Rum Fire Overproof Jamaican rum (126 proof)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1/2 ounce passion fruit juice or nectar
• 1 ounce Passionola Gold (aka passion fruit syrup)
• 1/2 ounce fassionola (red)
• 1/2 ounce ginger syrup
• 2 dashes Boy Drinks World Passion Fruit Bitters (or Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters)
Pulse blend with a heaping cup of crushed ice for 6-8 seconds. Serve in a Hurricane glass with more crushed ice.
Featuring three strong Jamaican pot-still rums, this is a powerful and complex Hurricane to be reckoned with. Proceed with caution.
The back story: A Hurricane should always spotlight Jamaican rum, in our humble opinion, and the best way to do this is with the island’s historic staple: punchy and pungent pot-still rum. While it’s rarely used in modern distilleries, the mysterious ingredient known as “dunder” is historically the “mysterious ingredient that allegedly makes Jamaican rum extra funky,” according to Matt “Cocktail Wonk” Pietrek, who sets the record straight in this fascinating deep dive published in 2106.
But it still makes for a great story. Or the name of a funky Hurricane cocktail. Especially when you consider the origin of the word itself. Dunder is a Scottish word that means “a noise like thunder” or “a noisy blow”. The word may come from the Dutch word donderen, which means “to thunder.” Considering the impact of real-life hurricanes, the word is apropos.
Ingredient notes: Consider this a Don the Beachcomber-style Hurricane. Three 100-percent pot-still rums are better than one, providing different levels of intensity and flavor. You could sub other quality Jamaican pot-still rums – such as Rum-Bar Gold, Smith & Cross, and Worthy Park Overproof, respectively. In keeping with the theme, try not to venture too deeply into column-still territory, if necessary.
The juices and syrups are also amplified, creating depth not found in other Hurricanes. There’s much debate over whether a Hurricane should feature red or gold fassionola. We split the differerence, but the proportions keep it squarely in passion fruit territory. This is not unlike our recent tribute to the Sidewinder’s Fang at The Mai-Kai, which should be next our your list after making the Hurricane above.
Finally, some spice from ginger syrup and bitters are the icing on the cake, completing the Donn Beach connection. The Tiki cocktail pioneer has south Texas and New Orleans roots, so we’d like to think that he’d approve of this dangerously elevated Hurricane
Okole maluna!
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
MORE COCKTAILS
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Reviews and ratings of the historic restaurant’s current and past tropical drinks, plus ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
Atomic Grog Cocktail Recipes, A through Z
A comprehensive list of every recipe we’ve posted on the site, from the 151 Swizzle to the Zombie, also sorted by style and creator.
COMPLETE EVENT COVERAGE
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
>>> 2024 EVENTS | 2025 EVENTS | Past events