Aloha from Burbank, California!

Ernst Raymond Gantt (1907–1989) was an American explorer, entrepreneur and WWII veteran, who became the founding father of Tiki culture. He opened the first-ever tiki bar called Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s in Hollywood, California.

It offered potent rum cocktails, décor with a tropical island theme and exotic cuisine that he called South Seas islands food,but was actually standard Cantonese fare. Hollywood stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Bing Crosby, Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable patronized the place and were rewarded with their own monogrammed chopsticks to make them feel at home.

A clever showman, Don Beach (he had changed his name) faked the sound of rain falling on the tin roof, offered leis to customers and coined the motto; ‘If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.’

The theme was based on his adventures island hopping in the South Pacific during his 20s.

In the 1950s and 60s, Tiki bars flourished and the Aloha in Burbank was one of many that capitalized on the craze, serving tropical drinks and Chinese food in the city often called the Media Capital of The World.

Some of the names on this drinks list include the Cobra’s Fang, the Black Widow and the Zombie – usually so potent each customer was only allowed two each.

We believe the Aloha went out of business in the late 70s.