It’s not enough for brothers Derek and Lucas Gamlin, owners of Sub Zero Vodka Bar to be in the throes of transforming the old Liluma space into Gamlin Whiskey House, slated to open in a matter of weeks. The brothers are juggling multiple projects.
For starters, the Gamlins are on track to open another venue, also in September. This one will be a tiki bar called Tahaa Twisted Tiki, located at 4199 Manchester Ave., across the street from Sanctuaria in The Grove. Formerly Premium Lounge, Tahaa (an island located in French-Polynesia) is in the midst of a makeover. When construction is complete, the interior will have more of a nightclub feel, explained Derek Gamlin, while the laidback patio will double in size and boast an outdoor bar, tiki torches and a firepit.
The drink menu is being developed by Dustin Parres, who has become the executive bartender for all the Gamlins’ ventures. Eric Weis, currently at Sub Zero, will become bar manager at Tahaa. Since there is no kitchen at Tahaa, Gamlin noted that “we have to be creative.” The solution: a gas grill outside for firing up fare such as kabobs with a Polynesian twist.
Oh, but there’s more. The Gamlin’s have finalized deals with two local professional sports teams to bring vodka to thirsty fans. The Scottrade Center, home of the St. Louis Blues, will see four Sub Zero spots circling the rink. The Sub Zero Vodka Bar-Grey Goose Club will be a venue only accessible to Blues season ticket holders; however, general ticket holders can sip away at one of three bars inside the arena. One will be located on the main level in the space formerly called Pearl Bar, and two satellite bars will be located on the upper level.
Finally, Gamlin said Sub Zero also has finalized a contract with the St. Louis Rams that includes a five-year extension on the club it currently operates at the Edwards Jones Dome and the addition of two more Sub Zero bars at the stadium.
“It’s going to be a great year for us,” summed Gamlin.
This article appears in August 2013.