August 2024

Monthly News & Updates

Chairman's Message

Aloha Members and Friends,

August prompts us to pause and reflect on the solemn anniversary of the tragic Lahaina wildfire, which forever altered the landscape and lives of many in our beloved Maui. This catastrophe brought immense loss and a profound impact on our community, reminding us of the strength and resilience that define us as islanders. It is a time to honor the memories of those we lost and to extend our heartfelt support to those still recovering.

In the spirit of unity and remembrance, let us also recognize the power of coming together. Our community's response to the tragedy has been a testament to the aloha spirit, with countless individuals and businesses stepping up to offer help, resources, and comfort. As we commemorate this anniversary, I encourage each of you to continue supporting and uplifting one another, as this solidarity is what truly makes our community strong. You can continue your support by donating to various charities such as the Maui Community Foundation. 

Amidst this reflection, we also look ahead to an event that celebrates the resilience and dedication within our industry – the Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Dinner Gala in September. This annual event is more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity to honor those who have made significant contributions to Hawaii's culinary landscape. Their passion, commitment, and innovation have shaped our industry, and this evening will be a heartfelt tribute to their remarkable achievements.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of our HRA staff, led by our President and CEO, Sheryl Matsuoka. They have been tirelessly coordinating the Hall of Fame Dinner Gala, on top of assisting restaurants in Chinatown that were affected by the HECO power outage. Additionally, they have been supporting and assisting restaurants along Dillingham that are impacted by the rail construction, sharing information on the $10,000 grant available to alleviate their challenges. Their efforts exemplify the commitment and support that the HRA strives to provide to our members.

The Hall of Fame Dinner is also a moment for us to gather as a community, to share stories, and to inspire one another. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have much to celebrate and be thankful for. I hope to see many of you there, as we come together to recognize excellence and foster connections that will carry us forward.

Let us carry the lessons and the spirit of resilience from the past year into our future endeavors. Together, we can continue to build an industry that not only thrives but also supports and uplifts our entire community.

Mahalo for your unwavering support and dedication.

Warmest Aloha,

Andy Huang

Chairman, Hawaii Restaurant Association

Experience Matters: What Restaurant Guests Value

Sixty-nine percent of consumers would dine out more often if it were more enjoyable, and that number goes up to 78 percent for adults under the age of 35, according to a report from ChangeUp.

How Empowering Your Frontline Workers Can Increase Profitability

What you'll learn: 

• How to empower your frontline workers to increase overall profitability 
• Good business practices to incentivize and empower the frontline
• How these initiatives can propel your team and increase engagement of workers

Join this webinar to hear from Brittany Montgomery, Manufacturing Tech at C&S Products on how their frontline workers have upskilled, handled challenges, and elevated into higher-level positions with the help of QAD Redzone. Learn why the mentality of empowering and engaging your frontline team has a positive impact on the overall operation, culture, and financial bottom line. 

A Comprehensive Guide To Restaurant Profit Margins

For All Restaurant Types

Many operators struggle with low-profit margins, and it’s easy to fall into this trap. In fact, the average restaurant profit margin just falls between 3% and 6%. By finding the right balance, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your business stays profitable. Let’s explore what this number means, how you can calculate it, what the average margin is for different types of restaurants, and the factors that can affect low-profit margins.

August Funding Opportunities

New grant opportunities are available. The Oʻahu Business Connector gathers grants and funding ($$) opportunities for small businesses. Get ready to find your funding!

Many of these grants are designed to help business owners from disadvantaged communities. 

These grants are offered by nonprofits and private companies, not the City and County of Honolulu, and have their own eligibility rules and processes to apply.

EmPOWER Grant

High energy prices, perhaps now more than ever, mean reducing your electricity costs could be crucial to keeping your small business or nonprofit open here in Hawaii. An EmPOWER grant could help with just that as you continue to navigate the challenges of today’s economy.

Applications are open!

Owning a successful business is hard work. Owners must remain nimble, and with an unsecured Line of Credit from ARF Financial you will be. When the window of opportunity opens, you’ll be ready to maximize your advantage. Our Line of Credit quickly puts up to $750,000 at your disposal. The initial line can be approved online in minutes with 24-hour access to drafts after that.

How Restaurants Benefit from Strategic Tech Integrations

In this special bonus episode of Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with colleague Jonathan Maze, editor-in-chief of Restaurant Business, to debrief their time at the National Restaurant Association Show.

19 Restaurant Social Media Marketing Tips for Gaining Customers and Increasing Sales

A solid restaurant social media marketing strategy is an essential part of a comprehensive marketing plan. Rounding out your digital presence with strong social accounts and quality content can make or break a sale. The best part? It’s free.