TheBuzz Erika Engle

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High honor for a Hawaii IHOP enthusiast

A RESTAURANT industry leader impressed by the aloha spirit who has brought much corporate travel to Hawaii -- and who plans to bring more -- has been honored with an Elliot Mentor Award, recognizing achievements in leadership.

Julia Stewart, IHOP chairman and chief executive officer -- and that is what it says on her business card -- is the first female recipient of the award from the Elliot Group, an executive search and strategic consulting company for the hospitality, foodservice and manufacturing industries.

Stewart has been blessed by many mentors in her 35-year career and added, "at IHOP we encourage and value mentoring."

She said in a statement she accepted the award on behalf of IHOP employees.

Stewart was honored in a ceremony Thursday night in New York City.

She's in heady company, alongside big-boys in the biz, including Norman Brinker, founder and chairman emeritus of Brinker International, Rick Federico, former chairman and CEO of PF Chang's China Bistro and Chris Sullivan, board chairman of OSI Restaurant Partners and co-founder of Outback Steakhouse.

Her handshake is firmer than some men's -- surprising, but not bone-crushing.

She attended Sarah and Vince Espino's grand opening of their IHOP at Windward Mall in February, which coincided with a reward trip for top-performing general managers in the chain.

She told TheBuzz at the time that Hawaii was the top destination choice among the 400 IHOP franchisees for the company's 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated in Hawaii in August of next year.

Koa software

The next Martin & MacArthur item you buy might not be made of wood.

The company, known for its hardwood, especially Koa, furniture and home decor pieces, has introduced a new soft goods line, called "Martin & MacArthur Island Home."

The made-in-Hawaii pillows, bed throws, table runners, placemats and napkins, in tropical prints, are designed to complement the company's furnishings. The line debuted at Martin & MacArthur retail stores and will be carried by other stores in the future.