The Gift of Giving Comfort Food

HOT OFF A SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING, the holiday rush doesn’t stop for Zippy’s Restaurants. Since 1966, “Hawaii’s restaurant of choice” has proven time and time again that it indeed is the go-to place for comforting island favorites. Now, with multiple establishments across the state and a vastly large staff of employees, it’s crazy to think that Zippy’s founders, brothers Charlie and Francis Higa, initially were slated to open a car wash, but then decided on a restaurant instead. This change of heart was the best decision and led to the opening of the first Zippy’s McCully location, which still is a one-stop shop for your every craving, thanks to its 24-hour-a-day service within its sit-down dining area, fast-food counter and bakery.

As we count down the days until Christmas, Zippy’s Restaurants gives the gift of convenience with its famous pupu platters — a main draw at any holiday office party or family potluck.

“Enjoy our specials, they are just like home cooking,” says marketing manager Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki.

Local Favorites Platter ($29.95) is Zippy’s No. 1 seller, consisting of teriyaki beef, hoki, chicken katsu, hot dog and Portuguese sausage. Then, of course, Holiday Sushi Platter ($30.75, includes 40 pieces maki, 12 pieces cucumber, 12 pieces takuan and 10 pieces of inari sushi), Chicken Katsu ($27.95), Korean Fried Chicken ($32.50) and Fried Noodles ($25.50) follow suit. It’s recommended to order the sushi platter three days prior to pickup; other pre-orders should be placed at least one hour in advance.

“The Holiday Sushi Platter is available for pickup through Dec. 31. Select establishments will allow for pickup New Year’s Day,” says Mamiya-Kalahiki.

And while you can bring Zippy’s home to you and yours this season, the restaurant also invites you to be its guest Christmas Eve and Day (all locations will be open Christmas Day, except Pearl-ridge).

Along with your local favorites, Zippy’s will offer scrumptious holiday specials from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at its dine-in restaurants and fast-food counters, including Baked Ham with Rum Raisin Sauce (restaurant $9.75, fast-food counter $8.50); Roast Turkey with sides of real mashed potatoes, stuffing, poultry gravy and cranberry sauce (restaurant $11.45, fast-food counter $9.95); as well as Roast Turkey and Baked Ham Combo (restaurant $11.95, fast-food counter $10.45). Served in Zippy’s dine-in restaurants only are Prime Rib ($19.95) and Grilled Salmon with Crab and Artichoke Sauce ($14.95).

“We are fortunate to have a great customer following,” acknowledges Mamiya-Kalahiki. “We consistently work to make the menu more interesting and appealing. We’re about convenience and variety.”

If you just don’t know what to give your family this year, a Zippy’s Restaurants’ holiday gift card will simplify the gift of giving. Gift cards are available in denominations $5 to $100, and are redeemable at all Zippy’s locations. There’s also an added bonus: Until Dec. 31, purchase $50 in Zippy’s gift cards and receive a complimentary $5 Zippy’s coupon.

“Our gift cards are the perfect stocking stuffers,” recommends Mamiya-Kalahiki. “During the holiday season, there are gift card kiosks at select restaurants, and people also can purchase gift cards online at zippys.com. The holidays are so busy as is, so we’re doing our best to make things easy for our customers,” she adds. (Inquire about specific kiosk locations, dates and times of service).

In the midst of the holiday extravaganza, Zippy’s Restaurants encourages patrons to get a head start on 2015 by reserving Sushi Platters, Konbu Maki ($10.95 six-pack), pork carrot and gobo wrapped with konbu and kanpyo; Namasu ($12.95 2-pound Zip Meal, $46.95 7-pound barrel) a medley of pickled carrots, cucumber and daikon prepared Japanese style; and Chicken Nishime ($14.95 2-pound Zip Meal, $48.95 7-pound barrel), a signature Japanese-inspired stew featuring chicken, konyaku, carrot, sataimo, renken, gobo, bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms.

Payment is required to place an order, and Dec. 24 is the last day to pre-order Zippy’s New Year’s Specials online at zippys.com (click on New Year’s Specials link). Customers also have the choice to pre-order with a credit card by calling 973-0880. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m through Dec. 29. Visa MasterCard and American Express are accepted.

Pickup dates are scheduled for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at Zippy’s Kapolei, Vineyard, Makiki, Waiau, Pearlridge, Kaneohe, Kahala, Ewa and Mililani locations.

“These locations will open at 10 a.m. New Year’s Day, with the exception of Pearlridge, which will open at 8 a.m to serve you. All other Zippy’s locations will be closed New Year’s Day,” Mamiya-Kalahiki adds.

Zippy’s Restaurants

1725 S. King St., Honolulu (and other locations)
973-0877
zippys.com
Open 24 hours daily (Call for holiday hours)
Prices may vary at locations.