By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Petals and Beans owners Dennis Wong,
and wife Wanda with son Nicholas.
First there was coffee and doughnuts, then coffee and computers. Now, how 'bout pairing that cup of java with a rose or bouquet of spring flowers? In blooming business,
java mixes wellPetals & Beans in the Airport Trade Center at 550 Paiea St., makes it easy for Leeward drivers to pick up a cup of coffee en route to downtown offices, or to pick up a dozen roses for one's beloved on the way home.
The "Petals" half of the business is run by Wanda Wong, who until recently was doing business as Sweet Leilani Florist at Grosvenor Center. She's joined by her husband Dennis Wong, who handles the "Beans." His role encompasses brewing up espressos, lattes, cafe mochas and the barista's favorite, an iced Thai coffee ($3). He also slices up chocolate lovin' spoon cake ($3.75 per slice), caramel apple granny cake ($3.50/slice) and the popular strawberry la bomba ($3.50/slice), which Wanda readily describes as "an explosion of strawberries and amaretto cream."
Meanwhile, he hasn't quite memorized the names of all the flowers yet, which range from pale yellow South American roses, to springy tulips, irises and sunflowers.
The shop also stock island munchies for gift baskets that start at about $25, averaging about $35. Petals & Beans delivers island-wide, and Dennis said it's easy to include in your basket a fresh slice of cake or pie. Delivery fees vary by area.
The Wongs say they feel at home in the airport area, since they spent 20 years as airline employees. More importantly, both have come home to businesses that run in the family blood.
Dennis' family runs Tasty Chop Suey on Gulick, where he remembers working 80 hours a week during summer vacations from the time he was 10. Wanda's family owned a florist shop and when they asked who would take over the business, the unanimous response of three kids was "Not me!"
"I watched my parents give up holidays and saw all their hard work. Now two out of three of us are in this business," Wanda said.
"Now we're grounded," Dennis said. "It's hard work, but it's fun."
Call 836-0100.
Nadine Kam, Assistant Features Editor, Star-Bulletin
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