In 1987 a 27-year old American, Joel Springman packed his “world traveler” suitcase and begun his venture throughout Europe. It was in Kitzbuhl, Austria where Joel exited the train and was approached by an Australian lad, Andrew Flynn. Flynn insisted that the American, Joel, stay at the youth hostel that the Aussie was representing. It would of course, reap a commission for the young Flynn. Joel was sold by Flynn’s sales savvy, and further, joined him at a pub that evening.

That marked the beginning of their adventures in Europe.
In spring of 1989, Joel and Andrew moved to London and both found employment at the restaurant Kensington Place – voted by the London Times as “Restaurant of the Year.”
Joel struck management with his boyish looks and was hired as a bartender. Flynn worked in the dish pit. Both made a sport of tormenting a young Kiwi waiter by the mane of Stuart Need. It is reported that on numerous occasions, the Kiwi was often found “in the weeds” due to missing drink tickets.

Nevertheless, the Kiwi found knee-slapping humor in the incidents.
In the fall of 1989, Joel, Andrew, and Stuart parted ways. Andrew flew to North America and continued his travels before settling in Whistler, British Columbia. He called Joel, who had ended up in Wisconsin, and invited him to “check out” Whistler. Joel brought an investor with him by the name of Mitch Garfinkel, who bought Club 10 and founded Garfinkel’s.
Soon thereafter, the Kiwi, cold and hungry, living in a box of a flat in Scotland, got a much needed phone call.

“Do you want to help open a bar?”
“Where do I fly in?” replied Stu.

The first Garfinkel’s opened in 1990.
After huge success Joel and Stuart moved to Vail in 1993 and opened the second Garfinkel’s while Andrew stayed in Whistler.

Joel left Garfinkel’s in 1995 for new ventures.
In 1999 Joel, Andy and Stu reunited to open their own nightclub, Moe Joe’s Cabaret in Whistler. In 2001 Moe Joe’s was voted in the Whistler Pique Locals Poll as “best place to feel at home.”
In 2002, Moe Joe’s was voted “best place to cut a rug” and had the “number one and number two bartenders.” In May of 2003, Stu and Andrew opened Lakanuki in Mammoth. Much like Moe Joe’s, Lakanuki has great pub food. Familiar faces (A good sign. Employees tend to stick around). Intimate layout. Fun Décor. Excellent après ski, and late night, everyone ultimately ends up at Lakanuki, no matter what the season. A hang out for locals and visitors alike. Andrew since left. Stu is still here, and plans to remain.