Trader Vic, whose real name was Victor Jules Bergeron Jr., was an influential American restaurateur and entrepreneur known for popularizing Polynesian-style cuisine and cocktails. He opened his first restaurant, Trader Vic's, in Oakland, California, in 1934, which became famous for its tropical decor and innovative drinks, including the Mai Tai. Trader Vic's restaurants expanded globally, becoming a symbol of the tiki culture that emerged in the mid-20th century. His legacy includes a range of recipes and products, as well as a significant impact on the cocktail scene, inspiring many bartenders and restaurateurs in the years that followed.