A new bar bringing a taste of Palm Springs to downtown Sacramento is off to the races.
Cabana Club is a new cocktail bar and restaurant serving bites and beverages at Downtown Commons (DOCO). The concept comes from Paula Thompson, also the owner of SMIC’s Sip & Quip.
What Now Media Group recently caught up with Thompson to learn more about her journey and how things have been going since the chic destination opened its doors in August.
Q: How did you get into this industry? Did you always know you wanted to open a business?
A: My hospitality journey began when I was just 15 years old at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton. Having a foundation like that has truly paved my path in this industry. From that early start, I fell in love with the dynamics of hospitality and the joy of creating memorable experiences for others. I’ve never left the industry since; it’s been a constant in my life. Growing up with hospitality, it’s all I know and all I love, and I eventually realized that opening my own business was the next step I wanted to take. It feels like a natural extension of my passion and experience.
Q: How have things been going since you opened?
A: Fabulous! It was such a dream to bring a piece of my hometown, Palm Springs, to Sacramento and I am so happy that Sacramento is vibing with all of it. We have a small group of hospitality all-stars who just consistently wow our guests and are just so fun to be around. The Cabana Club team is truly extraordinary. I love what we have built down there.
Q: What do you think is the most challenging part of opening a business?
A: I believe the most challenging part of opening a business is navigating the unknowns. Every business comes with its own unique challenges, and you can always expect things to go awry. Having owned three restaurants now, I’ve experienced this firsthand. The mutual challenge I’ve faced is the uncertainty – wondering if everything will come together and if it will have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ I envisioned. There’s always a worry about how guests will react and whether the experience will resonate with them. That element of unpredictability can be daunting, but it also keeps the journey exciting!
Q: What is the most rewarding part of opening a business?
A: Making my dad proud.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: We are excited to see how SMIC’s and Cabana Club operate together to enhance the Sacramento downtown experience. With both restaurants situated in such high tourist areas, we are just really looking to see the potential for Sacramento to become a destination for visitors to come stay, play and enjoy this town with us. For the more immediate future… I have a toddler who needs a bath, so the world will have to wait.
Follow on Instagram @cabanaclubsacramento.
This feature comes from What Now Media Group’s Accelerate program. Click here for more information about how to attend our upcoming Accelerate events for a chance to be featured.
