Victor Bergeron

1902–1984

Founded Trader Vic’s exotic restaurant chain, created the Mai Tai

Bergeron opened a small bar/restuarant in 1934 in Oakland, which he named Hinky Dinks. (This was across the street from his parent‘s grocery store.) After visiting Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood, Bergeron immediately retooled his restaurant as Trader Vic’s, which he began franchising by 1949. Less brilliant a mixologist than Donn Beach, but far more enterprising, Bergeron eventually expanded his Trader Vic’s empire to 25 restaurants world-wide, in addition to publishing books and developing merchandise lines. Nevertheless, Vic can be credited with inventing the Mai Tai and Fog Cutter, and popularizing the Scorpion Bowl.