The closing of Pagoda and the Secret Tiki Temple speakeasy bar was the culmination of an ownership dispute, said Tommy Tam, the business operation manager. Its future is undecided, the third-generation restaurateur said.
Tam said he was taking time off to regroup and take care of his 80-year-old mother.
At the same time, he has been looking at properties to possibly relocate the speakeasy-style bar that was part of Pagoda restaurant at 8617 Baymeadows Road.
It closed April 26 after 49 years in business.
Tam has lived in China. He published Yolk magazine while living in Los Angeles. He moved back to Jacksonville in 2015 to help his parents run Pagoda.
Pagoda was a traditional, sit-down Chinese restaurant. His grandfather started the business. It retained the 1960s vibe when going out to dinner was a big deal. Then, customers dressed up and made a night an event. That vibe inspired him to create the Secret Tiki Temple.
“I am an old-school guy who likes old-school experiences,” Tam said.
The bar was a converted banquet room. It was garishly decorated with tchotchkes found at Salvation Army and Goodwill stores, antique shops and garage sales.
The bar did all right, but after COVID when people started going out again, it was discovered.
When it first opened, it was like any other modern bar. He sold domestic draft beer, there was a television. Slowly, the room grew into its own.
“I got rid of the draft beer and got people to order tiki cocktails,” he said.
Tam is serious about the secret part. He never advertised the bar. Customers had to learn about the place by word of mouth. Customers needed to have reservations and know the password to get in.
When interviewed for the local television show “River City Live,” he insisted that he wear a pandemic-style mask, hat, and gloves. He even had his voice distorted. He insisted that the program not give out the address.
He did not want to be photographed for this report.
Customers, however, knew him well. He made a point of stopping by every table to chat and ensure a good time was had by all.
“People want an escape. I created a little hidden oasis. You didn’t even feel like you were in Jacksonville anymore. It was like a mini vacation that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg,” Tam said.
The Secret Tiki Temple took at least six years to decorate and was never really finished. He said part of him is hesitant to think about opening it in a new location.
That said, he has looked at possible locations in Downtown and at the Beaches.
The Pagoda building is still in play. Despite customer’s requests to buy tiki decorations as keepsakes, nothing in the speakeasy is for sale.
“The building is not going anywhere. It is not for sale or auction,” Tam said.
“I just need time to work things out.”
Although he is passively looking for another spot, he is hesitant to move.
“When you start in one spot then you move, it often doesn’t do as well,” he said.
“It’s a lifestyle that I am promoting. I am not saying we served the best Chinese food or the best cocktails. I wanted to build the best experience in town.”