Page 4 - Dining Out - Aug 29 2021

Cover Story
Story by
KYLE GALDEIRA
Photos by
LAWRENCE TABUDLO
While many local restaurants and businesses across Hawaii have faced challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one eatery in particular has expanded its operation to focus on takeout service, while keeping its dine-in operation going to the degree allowed by local mandates and capacity restrictions.
The husband-and-wife team of Scott and Cindy Fujita co-own Sakana Grill in Kapalama Shopping Plaza in Kalihi and continue to oper- ate the restaurant with dine-in (50% capacity) and takeout options four years after opening the business. The restaurateurs established Sakana Express in Pearl Kai Shopping Center in February to adjust to restrictions on dine-in capacity caused by pandemic precautions.
The restaurants feature local comfort food with Okinawan and Japanese influences throughout the menu, and at the grill loca- tion’s full-service bar.
“After evaluating the landscape, we de- cided that the revenue here at the new ex- press location could support us and help pay for Sakana Grill, so it was a move made out of necessity, otherwise we’d have closed by now,” Scott explains. “We had to do some- thing to stay in business, and by opening this new express location, it’s helping save our Kalihi restaurant.”
“Everybody is supportive of both restau- rants, but for those who don’t feel comfort- able dining in, the express location is anoth- er great option,” Cindy adds. “If we didn’t
Scott and Cindy Fujita showcase some of Sakana Express’ offerings.
have the original location, we wouldn’t have opened this new location; it’s really helping us stay open and keep our work- ers employed. And, the new kitchen in the express loca- tion is bigger, so we’re able to do more catering orders for customers.”
Sakana Grill offers plate lunch-style se- lections, including Okinawan Shoyu Pork ($14) and Nasubi Chanpuru ($14), the latter of which is a popular Okinawan stir-fry dish. During the Okinawan Festival over Labor Day weekend, diners will receive $2 off the Shoyu Pork plate and $3 off the Nasubi Chanpuru plate on Sept. 4 and 5 at Sakana
Grill as the restaurant supports the event, which will be held virtually.
At Sakana Express, guests can be creative at the eatery’s poke bar, which serves up local favorites including a Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl ($12). For just $12, diners may build their own poke bowls by selecting white rice, brown rice, hapa rice or salad and topping it with a poke selection (choices include ahi,
4 / Dining Out / Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2021
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