The Hawaii Restaurant Association held its 10th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner at the Dole Cannery’s Pomaika`i Ballroom in Iwilei on Monday, September 19, 2016

The 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees of the Hawaii Resturant Hall of Fame

Mark Shishido - Wine Director Alan Wong's

Dr. John Morton - VP for UH Community Colleges

Edward Doty - Eagle Distributors/JMD Beverages

Alicia and Raymond Kam - Alicia's Market

Mel and Lynn Tanioka - Tanioka's Seafood and Catering

David Nagaishi - Ocean House, Pounders at PCC (Deceased)

Jacqueline Lau - Roy's Hawaii

Bob and Christine French - Brennecke's Beach Broiler 

Aaron Placourakis - President / CEO Tri Star Restaurant Group, JAS Restaurants & AMP Restaurants, LTD.


Debra Ching Maiava and Ric Maiava - Ken's House of Pancakes 

Well-known and longtime Hawaii sportscaster Kanoa Leahey emceed the event with Chef Alan Wong and Honolulu Magazine Food Editor Catherine Toth-Fox serving as guest presenters for the ceremony.

In addition, the Hawaii Restaurant Association recognized Zippy’s Restaurants and Aloha Shoyu Company as 2016 Legacy Award recipients.

The inductees as well as the legacy winners were individuals and/or company’s that have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the growth of the restaurant and food service industry in Hawaii, contributed to the enhancement of its quality and image, and demonstrated service through outreach.



Zippy’s Restaurants 2016 Legacy Award recipient

For the past 50 years, Zippy’s has followed Frances and Charles Higa’s core business values of commitment, serving with honorable intentions and uncompromising integrity, taking care of people, recognizing the unlimited potential in people and opportunities, taking risks and being willing to change and think long term. Whether it’s a Zip Pac before heading to the beach, a bucket of chicken for a potluck or some oxtail soup after a long night out the next stop will always be Zippy’s.


Aloha Shoyu Company 2016 Legacy Award Recipient

After 70 years in Hawaii, the Aloha Shoyu `ohana continues to emphasize the core Hawaiian values of kindness, unity, humility, and perseverance. For over seven decades, Aloha Shoyu Company continues to bring its unique products to kitchens all over the world, so that every dish can be served with a little aloha. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the HRA Scholarship Program at the University of Hawaii Community Colleges.

The event also included a “Chefs of Aloha” Dine-Around that featured guest Chefs (see attached for complete list of guest Chefs) from the past nine (9) years of Hall of Fame dinners preparing exquisite dishes for all attendees.
"Chefs of Aloha" Dine-Around 

2016 - Chef Mark Noguchi - MISSION Social Hall & Café

2015 - Chef Freddie Billena - Pōmaika'i Ballrooms                                    

2014 - Chef James Aptakin - MAC 24/7    

2014 - Chef Ken Mackenzie - Tommy Bahama

2014 - Chef Marc Anthony Freiberg - Mariposa

2013 - Chef Jesse Cruz - Lucky Belly and Livestock Tavern

2013 - Chef Cyrus Goo - Café Laufer

2012 - Chef Long - Prima

2011 - Chef Roger Dikon - Regency Culinary Services and HRC founding chef

2010 - Chef Goran Streng - Tango Contemporary Café

2009 - Chef Matt Young - Hula Grill    

2009 - Chef Keith Kong - Duke's Waikiki

2008 - Chef Chai Chaowasaree - Chef Chai's

2007 - Chef Russell Siu - 3660 on the Rise / Kaka'ako kitchen

About The Hawaii Restaurant Association
The Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade organization, together with the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, is dedicated to representing, educating and promoting the restaurant, food service, hospitality and tourism industries. The HRA provides access to the support and resources that industry professionals need to maintain a thriving business and serves as a contributing member of the unique and diverse restaurant community here in Hawaii. www.hawaiirestaurant.org.