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Island Staple Celebrates Golden Anniversary

Features Inside Feature

October 2, 2016

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

At the McCully Zippy's branch, manager Aka Castro shows a photo of the first Zippy's Restaurant before it opened in 1966 in the same area.

At the McCully Zippy’s branch, manager Aka Castro shows a photo of the first Zippy’s Restaurant before it opened in 1966 in the same area.

Francis and Charlie Higa opened the first Zippy’s Restaurant in the McCully area in 1966, launching a local tradition of serving Hawaii’s favorite food coupled with stellar customer service.

On Oct. 17, Zippy’s Restaurants celebrates its 50th anniversary in the Islands, and local diners now have the option of frequenting 24 locations statewide, including restaurants in Kahului, Maui and Hilo, Big Island. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Zippy’s and First Hawaiian Bank are teaming up to give away $25,000 via $500 increments to 50 lucky winners (no purchase necessary, see restaurants for details on how to enter).

“We have consistently strived to maintain our food quality and the great local taste that have helped build our reputation throughout the years, especially with our signature items,” says Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki, marketing manager at Zippy’s Restaurants. “Times have changed, but what remains consistent is good quality, great taste and service with aloha.

“More importantly, we could not have been successful for 50 years without the loyal customers who grew up with us — some first dined with us as kids and have continued to share Zippy’s with multiple generations of their families.”

Chili & Chicken Mixed Plate ($7.75 fast-food counter, $8.95 dine-in restaurant; special prices through Oct. 31)

Chili & Chicken Mixed Plate ($7.75 fast-food counter, $8.95 dine-in restaurant; special prices through Oct. 31)

Customers may pick up a specially priced Zip Pac ($8.45 fast food, $9.75 dine-in; prices vary at neighbor island locations) as part of the 50th anniversary celebration now through Oct. 31. “Hawaii’s Best” Bento includes Zippy’s fried chicken, hoki (breaded fish), Spam and teriyaki beef, all over rice sprinkled with furikake and garnished with cabbage and takuan (pickled daikon radish).

To coincide with the celebration, Zippy’s also is offering its Chili & Chicken Mixed Plate for just $7.75 at the fast-food counter and $8.95 in the dine-in restaurant (special prices available through Oct. 31). The family favorite includes Zippy’s famous chili, fried chicken, rice and macaroni salad (corn served at the dine-in restaurant).

As a special inside scoop for Dining Out readers, Zippy’s Restaurants has collaborated with Fitted Hawaii to create a limited edition New Era snapback hat ($45, no discounts) in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, as well as an anniversary T-shirt ($25, no discounts). The hat is manufactured by the same company that produces lids for Major League Baseball and other sports organizations.

Zip Pac ($8.45 fast-food counter, $9.75 dine-in restaurant; special prices through Oct. 31)

Zip Pac ($8.45 fast-food counter, $9.75 dine-in restaurant; special prices through Oct. 31)

The items will be available via a special pre-sale at the Zippy’s administrative office, located next to Zippy’s McCully, while supplies last, Monday, Oct. 3. The remaining limited quantities will be sold online Oct. 4, if still available.

As another way to thank its customers for 50 years of patronage, Zippy’s Restaurants will offer a medium Pepsi for just 50 cents for customers with the purchase of a meal at the fast-food counter Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We will continue to enhance our menu with new items, try different things and listen to what the customers have to say,” says Mamiya-Kalahiki. “Definitely, there will be more specials, promotions, and we will continue to offer variety, quality and unsurpassed service!”

“Times have changed, but what remains consistent is good quality, great taste and service with aloha.”
— Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki,
Marketing Manager At Zippy’s Restaurants

Zippy’s Restaurants

Various locations across Oahu, as well as Kahului and Hilo
973-0880 (main office)
Most locations open 24 hours
Prices may vary by location

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