Rum Connoisseur interview of the week: ROBERT MOLINA Restaurant & Bar owner, Event Organizer and dedicated lover of rum!

Published by
Jose Rafael Hoffmann

Rum Connoisseur interview of the week:

ROBERT MOLINA
Restaurant & Bar owner, Event Organizer and dedicated lover of rum!

1) Who is Robert Molina?

I am a Father, a hard worker, a family man, a dreamer and a Rum Fanatic. After working in the medical field, just out of college, I went to work with my family and started M-Line trucking/transportation/logistics. After a while I realized a beginning of a goal by opening Roxanne’s, in Long Beach; then followed it up by opening The Exhibition Room. Both all well-regarded establishments and we are excited to be extending them with a brand new concept called Marie’s Tek-Tec.

2) What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

Experiencing different Rums from different areas and learning the passion that goes into it. Taking trips to Rum Rum Club also shined a brilliant light onto a road that has brought and brightened many smiles.


3) The biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry.

Bringing people together with friends in Long Beach who are passionate about it through our yearly event the Long Beach Rum Tiki Social and Swapmeet; it’s great to get people together, share rum and have fun! We also have a monthly miniaturized version of it every month at The Exhibition Room with Tiki Nights and coming soon we are opening Marie’s Tek Tec Bar, which will focus on tropical Latin, with a Latin totemic theme and a strong emphasis on Rum (and agave).


4) What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

Well, basically, Rum; sharing knowledge and the experience of rum and also how Rum can transport you to a blissful experience or the remembrance of vacation in one simple sip.


5) Favorite Drink + Recipe

I love “sour” variation from a Daiquiri to a Penicillin (in a Sidecar picking a Daisy on the way to Margarita).


6) Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

Rum is a growing spirit with still more history to know and more fantastic culture coming.


7) Share some of your mentors and how they have influenced you.

When it comes to rum, Forrest Cokely and Marie King take me on a mini vacation during the monthly Rum Rum Club meeting while sitting at the Tonga Hut surrounded by new friends, everyone learning and drinking great rum & cocktails.


8) What 3-5 things do you have on your bucket list for the next 12 month?

The Long Beach Rum & Tiki Social/Swapmeet is coming up on Aug 20th
We are working hard on opening of Marie’s Tek Tec
I would love to have a Palm Springs getaway, and any mini getaway I can pull of while sipping on Rum is always on the agenda!


9) Any final thoughts?

Visit us at Roxanne’s or The Exhibition Room, follow us on Social Media–basically, find us and come join us, I look forward to meeting you.


10) How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?

At Roxanne’s:
https://www.roxanneslounge.com/


https://www.instagram.com/roxannescocktaillounge/

& At The Exhibition Room:
http://www.theexhibitionroom.com/

https://www.instagram.com/exhibitionroom/
https://twitter.com/ exhibitionrm

and of course, The Rum&Tiki Social:

Jose Rafael Hoffmann

Creative Director and Concent Manager for EmpresasFH and Director of HOFFMANNdesign. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Mr. Hoffmann has been one of the most important designers for prestigious companies in South America, including Disney, Cartoon Network, Mattel among others.

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