HONOLULU (AP) — A longtime restaurant in Honolulu featuring authentic Hawaiian cuisine is preparing to close its doors after serving customers for more than 50 years.
Ono Hawaiian Foods will serve its final meal in August.
Kevin Shimabukuro, whose family owns the restaurant, said the business is closing after family members chose other career paths.
“It’s kind of sad,” Shimabukuro said. “I feel more toward the customer side. They come over here, they patronize our restaurant for 57 years, and they’re still coming. To put them down, it’s really heartbreaking.”
Shimabukuro said his grandmother started the restaurant in search of something simple to pay the bills, KHON-TV reported.
Making marinades and soup daily from scratch, Ono Hawaiian Foods has been a popular stop for Hawaii residents and countless visitors.
“I live here and a friend said I should try this place, so I decided today is the day,” customer Rachel Sipes said. “It’s really good,”
When Shimabukuro’s grandmother and aunt died 30 years ago, Shimabukuro’s father took over the business.
When he died, the restaurant was left to the grandchildren. Shimabukuro said they have chosen other career paths.