A big Mahalo to everyone who helped us celebrate our 13th Annual Hall of Fame and Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees. It truly was an honor to be a part of the evening’s magic! And, we couldn’t have done it without all of our inductees who dedicated themselves to our industry, 16…
DetailsHawaii’s top restaurant digital marketers and expert guest speakers will share best practices to drive your reservations and sales at the Hawaii Restaurant Digital Marketing Workshop to be held in Honolulu on November 12, 2019. Special discount rate for HRA members! *** In recent years consumer dining trends have been changing and…
DetailsEffective immediately, Hawaii Volcanic Naturally Alkaline Water has signed a new primary strategic distribution partnership in Hawaii with PepsiCo. The deal means that Hawai’i Volcanic Water products will now be available in many more retail locations Statewide. ** Founded by husband and wife team Jason and Channon Donovan in 2014, Hawaii Volcanic Water is…
DetailsYou could feel the magic in the air as you arrived at the Sheraton Waikiki, there is something very special about Waikiki sunsets. And, on September 23rd, the sunset was a glorious golden color! As all of our 500+ attendees arrived to our 13th Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame, everyone’s focus was on…
DetailsWho won the prize for doing the famous Chicken Dance? Helen Chang of Nella Media! I have a feeling that she has been practicing or has done this dance before. Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower was the location of the Fall HRA mixer, held October 7th. Along with the great views of a stunning sunset,…
DetailsThe HRA Educational Foundation has been hard at work with many projects to support the next generation of chefs through their ProStart program which provides resources and tools for high school culinary classrooms around the state. On October 19 they will be tailgating at the UH vs. Air Force Football game wearing green shirts that…
DetailsOctober is always time for scary treats. Here are some photos of things I come across. These should all be avoided by Basic Sanitation 101. Do any of these conditions exist in your restaurant? We are all pretty good about cleaning things that are easily reached, but how many managers/Chefs look behind and under your…
Details“Sponsoring this lab is a big event for our whole family,” says Valerie Hata. “We want our culinary students to have facilities and opportunities to take them wherever they want to go. I’m so proud of them.” “And this place looks awesome,” says Valerie’s husband Russell Hata, President and CEO of Y. Hata & Co.,…
DetailsPyramid Insurance, a locally owned and one of the largest insurance agencies in Hawaii, is proud to be a member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association. They are a full-service insurance agency that has access to the major property and casualty insurance companies and brokers which enables Pyramid Insurance to offer its customers a wide range…
DetailsThe one thing that all of the inductees to our Hall of Fame has in common is that they all contributed greatly to our foodservice & business industry. They planted a seed that grew into a thriving business that supported our local families. They taught by example and showed that hard work can be rewarding.…
DetailsBeauty and Grace with Passion and Place. “My mentors were industry Rockstars, James Beard-nominated chef Jamilka Borges of Independent and Hidden Harbor, and Advanced Sommelier Sarah Thomas of Le Bernadine, and co-creator of Kalamata’s Kitchen Kids Books,” said Hula Hula’s GM, Joslynne McDonough. While Joslynne McDonough grew up and cut her culinary teeth in Pittsburgh,…
Details“My employees absolutely love HMAA! To put it plainly, we would receive gripes and moans about our previous health plan provider because our staff felt restricted within their network, but since switching, there have been none.” Thomas Ray, Co-owner Like many members of the Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA), Square Barrels is a small, highly…
DetailsThe Hawaii Restaurant Educational Foundation (HRAEF) has been working hard to expand and create awareness for their ProStart Program, and has seen great support from the community. This high school culinary training program currently serves 12 high schools and currently has three new schools in the process of joining. Some of the services ProStart is…
DetailsThe Culinary Institute of the Pacific at KCC would like to spread the word about enrollment for the LAST ROUND of their two grant-funded Apprenticeship Programs. These programs allow you to send your Cooks and Managers through FREE training at KCC while they complete a list of on-the-job competencies. If you read about these programs…
DetailsGetting on the News with a RED PLACARD There have been now 4 restaurants on Maui that recently were given Red Placards because of Excessive Roach and Vermin in the facilities. Why did they become big news? What steps can you take to make sure you are not part of a headline like that? Why…
DetailsChef Kojima is a noteworthy culinary master. He began his training in Tokyo at the age of fourteen, working at his parent’s tempura restaurant. He later moved on to the prominent Tokyo Hotel where he mastered French and Continental cuisine. Kojima followed his culinary dreams to New York City and worked at some of the…
DetailsIntegrity Chem, founded by Ryan Sakihara, is a locally owned and operated distributor of dishmachine, laundry, and general cleaning products. Founded in 2008, they constantly strive to provide quality service and premium products at a competitive price. With over 30 years of combined service in the warewashing and laundry chemical business in Hawaii, their team…
Details“Our partnership with HMAA is already reaping rewards for our members, and we are happy to see numerous restaurateurs already taking advantage of these benefits!” – Sheryl Matsuoka You do not have to wait for your health plan’s renewal period. Preferred premium rates with HMAA are available now or at any time of year!…
DetailsHRA’s Hall of Fame celebrates the people, businesses and restaurants who have shaped Hawaii into the vibrant culinary industry it is today. These honorees bring honor and pride to Hawaii. They exemplify the best of our industry who have been actively engaged in the hospitality profession for a substantial number of years and have left…
DetailsAs Summer winds down, it would be a good time to review with your staff some basic Food Safety Practices. Pick a single topic and include in your daily pre-meal, or go into more in depth subject at your regular staff meeting. Target first a topic that you have observed your staff is not up…
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