Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Ulmer
Hi Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was 25 when I owned my first bar. It was all hard work and desire to be my own boss. I was running a place for a couple years. I left to help a friend open a bar and when I offered to go back to the first bar it was doing so poorly after I had gone they made me a deal to just take over as the owner. After a few years of hard knocks I had to close it and did a couple years of corporate. That didn’t take! I met another entrepreneur who had a similar drive as I did. Ran his place for about 2 years and we started looking together for locations. I always wanted to be downtown so we found our first spot on Orange Ave. and opened Room 3 Nine in 2002. After opening The Lodge in 2003 I was hooked on creating concepts and did about 8 concepts within the next 10 years. Coming early into the Thornton Park area with The Beacon followed by Stardust Lounge , Mucho tequila and tacos, Mucho liquors, XL gallery (later turned into Aku Aku tiki bar) I currently own and operate The Dust (formerly Stardust Lounge) and Aku Aku.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As an owner since 1995 I have been through many obstacles. Including the 2008 economic crash and Covid being the obvious ones. However construction, weather, staffing and personal setbacks have all had big impacts on my career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a big fan of creating a unique environment. From Tiki (Aku Aku), creole (Muddy Waters), hunting lodge (The Lodge) to Christmas( Frostys Christmastime Lounge). Coming up with a concept and working with a small group of local contractors and artists to bring something that has a theme but still feels like a local spot and not overly commercial.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I’m a huge fan of Lowbrow and street art. I had XL gallery for 3 years until I turned into Aku Aku tiki bar. Selling the art and working with the artists doing shows was one of my favorite things in all the years in the industry. If I could do that full time I would leave all the bar stuff behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Akuakutiki.com
Image Credits
Logos of my two current locations
