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Mixed bag of veteran KBGs there (Blue Sea, Imperial, Kool's, etc.). Big top dayshift bartender is probably the youngest at 37-39 yo; Blue Sea Mi-suk is one of the busiest and the rest fall in-between. FYI, operator Miya is the longtime Kool's Lounge owner of the past (1980-90's); she in her 70's and still can't get out of the business. Kalihi is probably busier than Kapiolani but not by much (sad, even during football season) as all consumer prices rise with no relief in sight.
Talent, Summit, 74, all dead. Don't know how these bars survive, they have more BGs than customers.
Fox at K Style is reeling in some big fishes. She is doing good while other sit looking bored.
[QUOTE=WarriorForLife;3108817]Talent, Summit, 74, all dead. Don't know how these bars survive, they have more BGs than customers.
Fox at K Style is reeling in some big fishes. She is doing good while other sit looking bored.[/QUOTE]Fox is really busy these days there. I got to see these LVBs in action so I can take notes.
Peace out bros.
[QUOTE=Allbust;3109466]Fox is really busy these days there. I got to see these LVBs in action so I can take notes. Peace out bros.[/QUOTE]No take notes at Talent; only two customers there during prime pm Time. Even early A. M shift at International get more bodies (six) than prime time Talent because some personnel and many customers have abandoned it for International (I'm not advertising or recommending International; it's not that good, just get more bodies).
Predicting full houses at Kalihi and Kapiolani KBs for the UH Homecoming game (I hope packed stadium) because all-around good for the current stale conditions of the state; the Rainbow Warrior team deserves the kokua. Support UH and your favorite KB, DKBG (maybe).
My opinion about the state of slow business regarding the above is that, besides economic conditions, they dug themselves a shallow grave by being arrogant and chicken shat; notice how the affable ones still busy no matter where they work? But they still no learn so that's why they still tanking.
There is a story I heard once about K business attitude: One K store opens and is successful; another K store opens very close to it; they then have a territorial war, eventually making it a price war; they both go out of business. That's not exactly the KB / KBG business attitude, but similar: "Ainokea. I going get mine even if I go broke." No can eat pride. When will they ever learn.
Where is k style? Can't seem to find it on google, only reporting as closed.
QUOTE=MitsFunai;3110429 My opinion about the state of slow business regarding the above is that, besides economic conditions, they dug themselves a shallow grave by being arrogant and chicken shat; notice how the affable ones still busy no matter where they work? But they still no learn so that's why they still tanking.
The funny thing is that, I was at this Kalihi Bar for a short one yesterday afternoon, and even the old timer I was sitting with, we were talking and she said that the bars are dying, she comes in early and by 8 pm usually on her way home because it's slow and no customers. She mentioned the same thing I have been expounding as her customers pass on business gets slower and slower. There are few new customers and the costs of doing business goes up (food costs), as the food you eating guy is being paid most likely by the bar hostess and not the bar.
Splash was slow too last night, but then their slow is most bars busy. So I am not worried that this watering hole will be drying up any time soon unless change in ownership occurs. The KB business model after the hostess bars from hotel street days are rather dated. There has been no great revamp to appeal to the younger crowd so its same o, same o till the bars die out one by one. The regular bars are flourishing I asked a young waiter last night at dinner where they go to drink after work and he named every bar in the nearby area except Splash. BOH building, young street 2 bars there and a couple down the road. But no Korean Bars. . this is why the bars are dying and without change they will go the way of the dinosaur. One by one. You can only squeeze blood from rock for so long before it runs dry. Opinions?
[QUOTE=ExterWin;3110748]Where is k style? Can't seem to find it on google, only reporting as closed.[/QUOTE]1245 Mookaula St A, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Good luck!
Jay Dubblefoh.
There are no clear cut solutions to the KB situation, Good food may help but who's going to pay for the food, the Hostess, the Bar, the Mama the guys involved. Some customers may think it's not worth the $40.00 entry fee. IF you getting sashimi grade Ahi it still needs to be paid for so a $20 tip plus is in order (or two drink minimum). There are customers who bring their own PUPU and drink their saw buck worth of beer and head home this 3 x a week or daily. It varies by the customer. These retirees are on a fixed income and will drink their budget and leave, nothing wrong with that but early shift vs. Late shift most bars doing the early shift should start making some pupu's stew one day, chili the next, fried chicken, long rice etc. Every day a different item those that don't sell take it off the menu list cause we all know some guys going come eat have their one beer and dig out leaving one dollar tip. Hey guys be honest you see it happen all the time. That and guys come in and expect high end pupu for their $2-3 dollar beer and get offended when the regulars get the good stuff and they get chips and peanuts. (hey guy even the chips and peanuts cost money even at Costco or Sam's Club). I am taking the bartenders side on this one guys as I have seen these women stiffed time after time again. This one guy comes in eats a entrée rice kimchee etc and leave a 7 dollar tip. What a tight ass at least leave a $10.00 tip and you know who you are you cheap shit. Oh you can drive a luxury car and not leave a decent tip, what a beauty. You guys know the type, I am not cutting down the retired guys on a fixed income but these guys that drink all day come in play the machines eat on the bartenders dime and leave a shit tip. Oh well that's life in the bar now days.
There are two sides of the story, but unless the bars make an honest effort to improve the quality of service and food and women available it will die out and bars will continue to close their doors. On the flip side these women need to change their attitude and take care of their customers and not try to rip them for what they can and run for the hills with whatever they can get their hands on. That is the younger women working in the bars now days. The old timers know their customers and who they going take care of and who not to so whatever that's life. SO ladies instead of playing with your phones go play with the customers nothing ventured nothing gained worse case they tell you no or tell you to leave, what's the harm. Better you try to make some money than sitting on your butt playing with your phone. Looking pretty or think you looking pretty, I know the mama's get up set at the lack of customer service but what you going do? Be part of the problem or part of the solution. Ladies talk to your mama's at the next meeting and bring it up do something proactive to insure your jobs or go on as it is and watch the bar dies slowly piece by piece fighting for customers and the crumbs they throw. Sorry for the rant but been over due. It's up to the bars to get up and raise the bar by retraining and emphasize customer service and satisfaction those that don't want to you reaLLY don't NEED them. Yeah! I am fed up with the whole bar scene cause the institution known as the Korean Bar is dying and there is no end to the downward spiral in sight. Be safe guys and watch out for the guys and gals in blue. Sorry for the rant. But ladies it's up to you.
[QUOTE=Jaritsuh;3111299]Hey guys be honest you see it happen all the time. That and guys come in and expect high end pupu for their $2-3 dollar beer and get offended when the regulars get the good stuff and they get chips and peanuts. (hey guy even the chips and peanuts cost money even at Costco or Sam's Club). I am taking the bartenders side on this one guys as I have seen these women stiffed time after time again. This one guy comes in eats a entre rice kimchee etc and leave a 7 dollar tip. What a tight ass at least leave a $10.00 tip and you know who you are you cheap shit. Oh you can drive a luxury car and not leave a decent tip, what a beauty. You guys know the type, I am not cutting down the retired guys on a fixed income but these guys that drink all day come in play the machines eat on the bartenders dime and leave a shit tip. Oh well that's life in the bar now days.
There are two sides of the story, but unless the bars make an honest effort to improve the quality of service and food and women available it will die out and bars will continue to close their doors. On the flip side these women need to change their attitude and take care of their customers and not try to rip them for what they can and run for the hills with whatever they can get their hands on. That is the younger women working in the bars now days. The old timers know their customers and who they going take care of and who not to so whatever that's life.them. Yeah! I am fed up with the whole bar scene cause the institution known as the Korean Bar is dying and there is no end to the downward spiral in sight. Be safe guys and watch out for the guys and gals in blue. Sorry for the rant. But ladies it's up to you.[/QUOTE]As referenced above, get so many cheap slugs come to drink and no leave shat; not only KB, any place they go. Maybe those cheap buggahs need to work for tips to understand. Of course, que sera, sera (and what goes around). On the flip side, some of these KBGs use the pupus or other services as ransom; they just bring, no ask. So both sides no good (comes around). Find the ideal KB / KBG situations and conditions for you and be ready for the turnaround.
I visited Kay again at K-Style. She starts early there so she was somewhat drunk when I got there. Had a few drinks with her then took her home again. Someone beat me to the punch and gave her a Hello Kitty halloween. I was planning on giving her one of those. Thank God I am not the only one sleeping in the Fox's bed.
How is it daytime? Any nice kbg.
[QUOTE=Shame;3112045]How is it daytime? Any nice kbg.[/QUOTE]I would not think so. Only one way to find out.
[QUOTE=CaptinCrunch;3112092]I would not think so. Only one way to find out.[/QUOTE]Yeah it really is case by case at K-Style. Some of the night workers start at noon so what you see at night, well they were there in the day. Plus, it's an age thing as well. What is one man's hottie is another man's gilf haha. Was there around 5 pm on a Friday. The bartender was well shaped and nice to look at, but, I'm thinking around 50 ish. Of course Michelle was working (around 50+) and she is a nice KBG, always pleasant. Players? Have no idea as I just drink my beers and move on. Like Mr CC says, only one way to find out.
Ss.
[QUOTE=Jaritsuh;3110978]QUOTE=MitsFunai;3110429 My opinion about the state of slow business regarding the above is that, besides economic conditions, they dug themselves a shallow grave by being arrogant and chicken shat; notice how the affable ones still busy no matter where they work? But they still no learn so that's why they still tanking.
The funny thing is that, I was at this Kalihi Bar for a short one yesterday afternoon, and even the old timer I was sitting with, we were talking and she said that the bars are dying, she comes in early and by 8 pm usually on her way home because it's slow and no customers. She mentioned the same thing I have been expounding as her customers pass on business gets slower and slower. There are few new customers and the costs of doing business goes up (food costs), as the food you eating guy is being paid most likely by the bar hostess and not the bar.
Splash was slow too last night, but then their slow is most bars busy. So I am not worried that this watering hole will be drying up any time soon unless change in ownership occurs. The KB business model after the hostess bars from hotel street days are rather dated. There has been no great revamp to appeal to the younger crowd so its same o, same o till the bars die out one by one. The regular bars are flourishing I asked a young waiter last night at dinner where they go to drink after work and he named every bar in the nearby area except Splash. BOH building, young street 2 bars there and a couple down the road. But no Korean Bars. . this is why the bars are dying and without change they will go the way of the dinosaur. One by one. You can only squeeze blood from rock for so long before it runs dry. Opinions?[/QUOTE]Going to respond seriously to this topic. Yes, the bars are raising their prices too high. Waterfall is charging $5 a bottle for a Coor's Light! Are other bars following suit? That won't cut it, there are cheaper places to go for beer and booze in general.
The clientele for K bars are dying off. That's why the bars themselves are dying. The next generations are not into K bars like us old-timers. As a result, younger girls avoid the business, leaving the veterans to work the booths and they are getting old, no question about it.
Their customer base is shrinking (dying). Nothing new really, it has been going on for quite some time.
Better places to get sex, K bars are just about having company for the time you are there. Someone to talk to and someone to make you feel good. That's about it. How much money is that worth to you?