Happy Talk to Close Again on January 31st 2010

[Doug]

I've heard that the Happy Talk might be closing again. Can anybody confirm or deny this?

[Doug]

Restaurants:
We received word on Tuesday that Celebrity intends to close the restaurants on January 31—the Happy Talk was the only one open except for special occasions and overflow capacity. Under the Settlement Agreement the AOAO has the right to subsidize the operation of the Happy Talk or lease it from them. We also have first right of refusal on any sales offer for both restaurants (they could not be sold separately due to a common kitchen). The closure is not surprising after observing the lack of patrons for breakfast and lunch and recent uneven service. The Board has requested profit and loss statements for the Happy Talk for the past few months and is obtaining a lease rate. We will keep you apprised of the situation, but I recommend you tell your guests that in all likelihood the Happy Talk will be closed.

[jebett3@aol.com]

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...7299022712.txt

Celebrity Resorts seeking buyer for Happy Talk Lounge



Hanalei Bay Resort not shutting down, GM says
By Coco Zickos - The Garden Island
Published: Sunday, January 17, 2010 3:09 AM HST
PRINCEVILLE — Rumors that Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville is closing are not true, HBR General Manager Scott Pacer said Saturday.

Some HBR employees have suggested they may be losing their positions at the North Shore resort within the next month, but Pacer said these claims are unfounded.

“The resort is doing fine,” he said, adding that it is “making progress as planned.”

Also rumored to be closing and still under the ownership of Florida-based Celebrity Resorts is Happy Talk Lounge, which re-opened last summer.

When a host of inquiries were made, including how many employees could potentially be affected by such a shut down, Celebrity Resorts spokesperson Carly Powell provided a statement from the company.

“Celebrity Resorts is currently contemplating the best course of action for the Happy Talk Lounge, which could include a lease or sale of the establishment,” she wrote in an e-mail Saturday. “We would like nothing more than to continue serving visitors and local residents with great food and drinks to be enjoyed within the beautiful surroundings of Hanalei Bay. We encourage local residents and visitors to continue to support the establishment and to those who are regular customers, we appreciate your continued support.”

Also in the statement, Celebrity Resorts indicated they are seeking those “interested in leasing or purchasing the Happy Talk Lounge.”

There was no mention in the e-mail of Bali Hai Restaurant — also owned by Celebrity Resorts — which continues to remain closed.

Some 70 employees work for Trading Places International at Hanalei Bay Resort, Pacer said.

The restaurants have “nothing to do with HBR,” he added.

Since HBR owners ousted former management company Celebrity Resorts in October, California-based Trading Places International took the reins and has been in the process of “all kinds of renovations” to the 30-year-old property, Pacer said.

“The resort is going through a renaissance right now,” Pacer said.

When asked what the renovations to HBR would entail, he declined to comment at this time.

“We’re looking at all kinds of things,” he said. The new management company is “doing a good job.”

[jebett3@aol.com]

No people going to Happy Talk means rent can't be paid. Do all of you who rent out your units promote the HTL to your guests?
I am asking all owners to write to Celebrity and ask them not to close at least for the evenings.

[jebett3@aol.com]

Music has stopped.

[jebett3@aol.com]

Just an update. We are still hearing HTL is closing next week. According to reports the weekend crowds are still good but other than that no one is going. The owners are seeking a new buyer. I only pray it doesn't take too long.

[Doug]

Thanks for the updates Joan. I've posted an notice on the Happy Talk page.

[jebett3@aol.com]

My son is at HBR this week and he was told by the waiter and bartender that they won't close for a few more weeks. Maybe they want to have a good Superbowl party. The head of food and bev is on his way over. I will be at the resort tomorrow and will let you all know what I see and hear. I am letting my guests know it most likely will be temporarily closed.

[jebett3@aol.com]

I had a drink with other owners last night at HTL and the waiter told us it is closing Sunday Feb 7th.

[jebett3@aol.com]

I closed the place down!!!!! We were almost the last ones in the lounge last night.
HTL is now officially closed as of last night. Reg Marvin, with Celebrity, is on site and packing the booze up and everything is shut down.
Lets all pray it gets sold quickly and we can move on from this nightmare.