Press
Local, State and National news about the Hawaii Restaurant Association and its members.
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!
KHON2 – April 18, 2025 – Easter in Hawaii: Are tariffs impacting prices?
WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Many families are planning to gather at local restaurants for a special meal as Easter Sunday approaches. New tariffs on imported goods could have some worried and some local eateries are starting to feel the pressure....
MEDIA ADVISORY: Paying it Forward – Hawaii Restaurant Association Partners with Guy Fieri Foundation to Support Victims of Los Angeles Wildfires
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hawaii Restaurant Association Partners with Guy Fieri Foundation to Support Victims of Los Angeles Wildfires with $120,000 Donation HONOLULU, HI (January 27, 2025) – The Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA) is proud to announce its partnership...
Pacific Business News – January 24, 2025 – Hawaii Restaurant Association to host Food Service Expo
The Hawaii Restaurant Association is hosting its first ever industry expo next month that will highlight the latest in restaurant tech, food service items, food and beverage products, and more. Businesses have until Thursday to register for a vendor booth....
KHON2 – December 15, 2024 – Restaurant industry needing holiday boost
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s been a slow start to the holidays but it is starting to pick up for the restaurant industry. “It’s on the heels of the pandemic, of the Lahaina fires or the back to back strikes for the hotels, but I think everyone, for the most part, is...
KHON2 – November 19, 2024 – Hawaii restaurants may allow pet dogs in outdoor spaces
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Food and Drug Administration said dogs in outdoor dining areas do not pose a threat to public health, but Hawaii law still bans pups that are not service animals from lanai-style dining areas....








