Press
Local, State and National news about the Hawaii Restaurant Association and its members.
After challenging year, more restaurants expected to be open on Thanksgiving
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Many restaurants admit it’s been an especially challenging year. And because of that, industry leaders say you might have more options for Thanksgiving if you’re picking up food for your family party or just finding a place to eat....
‘Foodflation’ ahead of Thanksgiving
If you’re looking to put together this year’s Thanksgiving spread, it could cost a little bit more than usual this year. Prices for many Thanksgiving favorites are on the rise....
KITV – November 19, 20025: Waikiki Restaurants Struggle as Tourism Lags and Costs Rise
WAIKIKI, Hawaii (Island News) -- "It is the worst I've seen in about two years," said Mike Palmer, managing partner of Kuhio Avenue Food Hall. "Things have just slowed down significantly."...
KHON2 – September 19, 2025 – Experts say both restaurants and customers should be excited for Shake Shack to come to Hawaii
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The popular burger chain Shake Shack announced it’s coming to Oahu in a couple of years. Restaurant industry leaders say the franchise coming to Hawaii could be good news for everyone....
Hawaii News Now – September 6, 2025 – What’s Cooking: Celebrating the ‘Oscars for Hawaii’s Chefs’
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Restaurant Association advocates for the state’s food service industry, and each year, it honors Hawaii’s culinary leaders and pioneers. while supporting the next generation of talent. HRA President & CEO Sheryl Matsuoka and...
Y. Hata completes $1M endowment to Hawaii Restaurant Association ahead of schedule
Y. Hata & Co. has fulfilled its million-dollar promise to Hawaii’s restaurant industry in record time, demonstrating its commitment to restaurant culinary businesses.
Waikiki’s new dining spots boost local economy and job market
Waikiki will soon welcome a variety of new dining options as several restaurants plan to open their doors. The opening of these new establishments means more job opportunities. A job fair is scheduled for Friday, August 15, to recruit employees, addressing the challenge of staffing in the restaurant industry.
Meet the Legends of Hawai‘i Dining: 2025 Hall of Fame Induction & “Chefs of Aloha” Dine-Around
The spirit of aloha will meet the flavors of Bordeaux this fall as Hawai‘i’s culinary world gathers for one of the most anticipated evenings of the year—the 17th Annual Hall of Fame Induction and “Chefs of Aloha” Dine-Around, hosted by the Hawai‘i Restaurant...
Pacific Business News – June 20, 2025 – Tech ‘now essential’ for restaurant profitability
Technology is changing the way restaurants do business, and Sheryl Matsuoka, the president and CEO of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, said that integrating technology into their operations is "no longer optional" for restaurants. Click HERE to read more!