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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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Hola y bienvenidos again, Señor Frog's restaurant and bar
SEÑOR Frog's is open and planning its grand opening gala at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Really.
Originally slated to open last year, the restaurant and bar initially opened its doors July 29, but was shut down by the city Thursday over a permit issue.
"The city has given us everything we need in order to open our doors and we did so today," said Suzy Ford, groups and marketing manager for Señor Frog's Honolulu, yesterday.
"We're so excited, as you can imagine."
The 14,000-square-foot, 520-seat restaurant is open from 11 to 4 a.m. daily for lunch, dinner and um, grown-up time, which kicks in at 10 p.m. with a $6 cover charge.
Even during the earlier-in-the-day family geared service, "It's constant entertainment," with DJs, an MC, karaoke and balloons. "People are wearing balloons on their heads and it's really fun," Ford said.
That reputation for fun helped the restaurant put together a staff of 200 in this tight labor market. "We're really pleased with the caliber of talent that we have."
A check of the Señor Frog's Web site reveals the irreverence for which the Mexico-based chain is known.
The Waikiki location is the second in the U.S. and is the chain's biggest. It will serve as parent company Grupo Anderson's model for future construction.
Señor Frog's grand opening charity benefit will be Aug. 29. Ford was unable to divulge the name of the beneficiary or cost of admission as details are being finalized, but she said, "One-hundred percent of the door proceeds will go to that charity," and promised, "a fun event with special surprises."
ADIOS, LAS PALMAS
Las Palmas Steak & Seafood Inc., also known as Carnaval Las Palmas, has closed its doors at Restaurant Row after less than two years.
It first appeared in this space during build-out in July of 2005. The contractor was Willy's Construction Ltd., owned by Wilfredo Valiente-Pena -- also an owner of the restaurant.
Officials with Waterfront Plaza would only confirm that it had closed. Valiente-Pena could not be reached.
The Mexican restaurant and Latin music night spot had recently posted "cash only" signs outside.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4747, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com