For Fig and Surf City Tiki Hut

Surf City Tiki Hut in Gilbert, Arizona is more than a bar. It is the last major bar design and build completed by legendary tiki artist Tiki Diablo, Danny Gallardo. When Surf City opened on February 1, 2026, guests stepped into a hand-carved Polynesian village shaped by Danny’s vision, from the thatched ceilings and glowing lamps to the carved wood, vintage artifacts, ship’s wheel, nautical decor and mug display. Just days later, the tiki world lost Danny. Fig, the owner of Surf City Tiki Hut, had worked side-by-side with Danny remotely to bring this dream to life. Together, they created a rare and transportive space that people traveled across state lines to experience. On October 6, 2026, the doors closed, and now the future of that space is at risk.

Sharing this publicly is painful and deeply personal, but here is the truth: sales weren't enough to keep up with operating expenses and the crushing payments on the hard money loans.

We closed our doors on October 6.

This has taken an enormous toll on us, financially, physically and emotionally.

We have two weeks left to save our lease and there is still a possible way forward.

We have potential buyers who are interested in preserving what we built and reopening under new ownership.

For that to happen, the landlord must agree, and the sale must be structured to pay off the hard money debt. Nothing is finalized, but we are working to make it possible.

The fundraiser is intended to help preserve the space and cover the costs of keeping that opportunity alive, including essential bills, rent, reorganization and reopening expenses. Donations cannot guarantee a reopening, and we want to be honest about that.

If the lease is lost, the landlord can reclaim the space, and the custom interior pieces that make Surf City so special could be stripped out or sold off. Danny Gallardo’s final masterpiece would no longer survive as a complete room, only as photos and memories.

Donations to this fundraiser will help keep the lights on, the lease and cover equipment, permits, re-organization and and reopening costs, help make a possible reopening achievable and protect this one-of-a-kind space for the tiki community and future generations.

The tiki community has always been a family, and families do not let one of their own face a loss like this alone. The tiki family has always shown up for each other, not just to celebrate the good times, but to protect the places, people, and history that mean something to all of us.

This is one of those moments to stand together. Please donate if you can, and help Fig and Elaine save Surf City Tiki Hut, preserve Danny’s final masterpiece, and keep its history, spirit, and community a live.

Thank you for your help and consideration!