While traveling through the South Pacific, Adam Jester discovered an enchanting and beautiful tropical island. He soon found out that this group of island known as Fiji, was home to the nicest people in the world. He backpacked the tropical surroundings, and was often incited into the homes of complete strangers, who soon became friends.
Many a day ended sitting around a bowl of "kava" (the Fijian National Beveraqe) telling old stories, laughing at each others' jokes, and just plain having a good time.
When Adam returned home to Carlsbad, California, he realized how much he missed that pure, uninhibited hospitality. After much thought, he decided to open a place where complete strangers could come in and feel comfortable as if they were in their own home.
In search of a name for his coffee house, Adam once again looked back to Fiji. He remembered that the word he most commonly used was VINAKA (meaning Thank you ) Adam decided to incorporate that into his business; using VINAKA as the business name and its translation as an everyday attitude.
Now at Vinaka, the day often ends sitting around cups of coffee (the American National Beverage), telling old stories, laughing at each others' jokes, and just plain having a good time.
