It’s a Holiday Affair at Zippy’s

It’s the holidays again, and Mr. C aka Santa Claus isn’t the only one who’s up to his ears in work this time of year. Sure, he’s making his list and checking it twice, and his elves are wrapping an endless amount of gifts for eager boys and girls. However, right here at home, thousands of miles from the North Pole, Zippy’s Restaurants is giving Santa a run for his money. Like a well-oiled engine, this iconic local eatery is gearing up for the many feasts that come along with this joyous season.

“The holidays are a busy time for us,” says Zippy’s Restaurants marketing manager Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki. “Shopping takes a toll on everyone, and it’s nice to provide a place for customers to sit back, relax and enjoy a hot, comforting meal.

“We also offer gift cards, which are the perfect gift! And for your convenience, select locations will have a designated gift card express table for those on the go,” she adds. “From now through Dec. 31, purchase $50 in Zippy’s gift cards and you will receive a free $5 Zippy’s gift certificate.”

Having offered holiday specials for years on end, and hot off a successful Thanksgiving, Zippy’s Restaurants keeps on giving with its party platters for the holidays. Gather the whole family and enjoy a Holiday Sushi Platter ($26.95*), which presents 40 pieces of maki, 12 pieces of cucumber sushi, 12 pieces of takuan and 10 pieces of inari sushi. The Holiday Sushi Platter is available for pick up now through Dec. 31 at all Oahu locations and Jan. 1 at select locations including Ala Moana, Ewa, Kahala, Kaneohe, Kapolei, Koko Marina, Makiki, Mililani, Pearlridge, Vineyard and Waiau. Zippy’s staff kindly ask that you place your order 48 hours in advance.

“We are honored to be a part of local holiday celebrations — whether it’s individual plates, barrels or platters — we provide ono food that you can be proud to serve at your gatherings,” Mamiya-Kalahiki says, noting that Zippy’s Restaurants has been a part of family traditions since its inception in 1966. “We have a lot of repeat customers purchasing our sushi platters. They love it. And who could go wrong with our Local Favorites Pupu Platters?”

Priced at $27.75*, this highly requested platter has it all and is love at first sight for any carnivore with its mouth-watering selection of Teriyaki Beef. Hoki, Chicken Katsu, Hot Dog and Portuguese Sausage. According to Mamiya-Kalahiki, Korean Fried Chicken platter ($30.75*), Fried Noodle platter ($23.50*), Spam Musubi platter ($17.50*) and Chicken Katsu platter ($21.95*) are all top picks as well.

“These pupu platters are available at all Zippy’s locations at any time,” she states. “Please call at least one hour in advance to place your order.”

And Dec. 22 through Christmas Day, Zippy’s treats you to Christmas specials from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at its dine-in restaurants and fast-food counters. Classic meals such as Roast Turkey ($9* fast-food counter, $10.35* restaurant), Baked Ham ($7.95* fast-food counter, $9.15* restaurant), Roast Turkey/Baked Ham Combo ($9.85 fast-food counter, $11.35* restaurant), Grilled Salmon with Crab and Artichoke Sauce ($13.75* dine-in restaurant only) and Prime Rib ($13.95* dine-in restaurant only) will be served fresh and hot.

“We have a variety of items to please any palate, and we take pride in offering consistent taste from one Zippy’s to another,” Mamiya-Kalahiki explains. “We actually have an executive chef who comes up with new items, as well as a Quality Assurance Department that ensures all of our foods are prepared with quality and consistency throughout all of our locations.”

All Zippy’s holiday specials are derived from homemade local recipes and are made from scratch, and “ono food served with aloha” is what the restaurant strives for each and every day.

“We create tasteful meals served with genuine care, and are committed to being the best neighborhood restaurant where local foods are prepared, served, appreciated and reminisced over,” Mamiya-Kalahiki says.

Then, just when you think you are about to burst from all the holiday fare and fixings, Zippy’s plans to welcome 2013 with a bang — Sushi Platters, Konbu Maki ($9.95 six-pack), Namasu ($12.95 2-pound Zip Meal, $38.95 7-pound barrel) and Chicken Nishime ($12.95 2-pound Zip Meal, $38.95 7-pound barrel) — are definite New Year must-haves.

Konbu Maki features pork, carrot and gobo perfectly wrapped in konbu and kanpyo. Namasu is a tasty array of Japanese pickled vegetables (cucumber, carrots and daikon), and, of course, New Year’s isn’t complete without the classic dish Chicken Nishime, a Japanese stew, which includes chicken, konyaku, carrots, sataimo (taro balls), renken (lotus root), gobo, bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms.

Payment is required to place an order, and the last day to pre-order Zippy’s New Year’s Specials is Dec. 26 (on Oahu). Order online by clicking on the New Year’s Specials link at zippys.com, but keep in mind, online ordering is available for Oahu pickups only. Customers also have the choice to pre-order with a credit card by calling 973-0880. Phone lines will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Visa MasterCard and American Express are accepted.

Pick-up dates are scheduled for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at Zippy’s Kapolei, Vineyard, Makiki, Waiau, Ala Moana, Pearlridge, Kaneohe, Kahala, Koko Marina, Ewa and Mililani locations.

“These locations will be open at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day with the exception of Ala Moana and Pearlridge, which will open at 8 a.m. All other Zippy’s locations will be closed on New Year’s Day,” Mamiya-Kalahiki explains.

Looking ahead to 2013, Zippy’s Restaurants is excited to announce the opening of a brand new location in Hilo next summer. In the meantime, the Zippy’s ohana and its customers are reveling in the recent renovations to and reopening of Zippy’s McCully.

“Zippy’s would like to thank our customers for their continued patronage and for allowing us the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to the new year and hope we continue to see you around,” Mamiya-Kalahiki says.

*Prices may vary at locations.

Zippy’s Restaurants

1725 S. King St., Honolulu (various other locations)
973.0877 (S. King)
Open 24 hours, seven days a week (Call for holiday hours)
zippys.com

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