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Catering to customers

Cover Story

January 22, 2023

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Director of catering Jody Franks in the Makai Room at Big City Diner’s Windward Mall location.

Despite being in business for more than a quarter of a century, many Big City Diner customers are surprised to learn that the local restaurant group offers a full range of catering selections for anything from a small ohana get-together to a large corporate function.

Fried Noodles

The popular eatery has made a lasting impression with its locally influenced cuisine since 1998 and features restaurants in Kailua, Kaimuki, Pearlridge, Waipio and Windward Mall. Big City Diner offers incredible value as the go-to Hawaiian-style diner for fresh and hearty meals served in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Grilled Asian Fish

After assisting with catering and helping in Big City Diner kitchens as a “labor of love,” Jody Franks has taken on a new director of catering role and relishes the opportunity to work with new and returning clients.

Chicken Katsu

“I know the food here tastes good, and I’ve eaten here for the last 20-plus years, so it helps me share the various options and memorable service with our guests to give them that great all-around experience,” Franks says. “Our mission is to deliver food and service that exceeds expectations with aloha, and that’s what I strive for with every event that we host. I’m so excited in this new full-time role to take on whatever comes our way!”

Some of the popular catering options available include Grilled Asian Fish prepared with a hot ginger broth; Chicken Katsu; Vegetarian Spring Rolls as a potential option for vegetarians and vegans; Fried Noodles; Shoyu Chicken; Shrimp Cocktail; assorted sushi varieties; Baby Back Ribs; Chicken Wings; Hamburger Steak; Meatloaf and many, many more choices.

Prices for catering menu selections vary as the Big City Diner team works with customers to tailor selections for an array of events and budgets. Call 808-657-7711 or email catering@bigcitydinerhawaii.com to customize a catering menu.

Salad

“After more than 25 years in business, people are still surprised that we also do catering,” explains Big City Diner corporate executive chef Dennis Franks, Jody’s husband. “Whether it’s a simple gathering, or just a potluck event with pans of food, our catering department can fully customize a menu for any occasion.”

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

The Pearlridge location features an outdoor patio area for gatherings and special events, while the Windward Mall restaurant’s Makai Room is a private indoor space to utilize with a custom food order; both areas can host up to 55 guests comfortably. The private dining areas are perfect for corporate meetings and family gatherings, and the Makai Room features five brand-new televisions for sporting events or even slideshows and presentations. The Windward Mall location is also ideal for gatherings with keiki as there are kid-friendly activities and play areas in the mall, and children’s favorites can be featured on the menu.

Rice.
Note: All items are on Big City Diner’s catering menu. Contact
for cost.

At least two weeks’ notice is requested for those looking to reserve a private dining area, and the team is standing by to accommodate guests, including those interested in a restaurant buy-out for an evening.

The Big City Diner team invites guests to enjoy the “Big Game” on Sunday, Feb. 12, with $4 Miller Lite pints. Additionally, at the Kailua, Pearlridge and Waipio locations only, enter to win a portable gas grill, trip to Las Vegas and more (must be 21 and older to enter and present to win). Be sure to make reservations today as tables fill up quickly on Big Game day!

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