Kaimuki
eateries soldRestaurateur Ed Wary divests
Auntie Pasto's Kapahulu and
Eddie's Burgers to focus
on other projects
Auntie Pasto's Kapahulu and Eddie's Burgers and Frozen Custard have been sold by longtime Honolulu restaurateur Ed Wary for undisclosed terms.
The burger joint was a partnership with Jim Hamachek, director of operations for Dixie-Que Inc., parent company of the original Auntie Pasto's on Beretania and Dixie Grill on Ward Avenue and in Aiea. The satellite Auntie Pasto's, which opened four years ago, was Wary's alone.
Largely due to parking problems, "the restaurants were underperforming a little bit," Wary said.
Going forward, West Oahu, which Wary believes is underdeveloped, can expect an Auntie Pasto's and perhaps another restaurant similar to Eddie's.
For townies, "I am currently looking at a location in town to develop another concept ... not Italian, an American bistro type of concept," he said.
"We have plans to open one and hopefully two stores in 2004. I had to improve the looks of my financials, cash flow and balance sheets."
"I am aggressively looking for locations," preferably an end-cap space in a mall location between Mililani and Fort Weaver Road.
"I'm not sure I want to get out as far as Kapolei at this time." The area is overpriced, he said.
The Kapahulu Auntie Pasto's has been sold to Young Chon, a second-generation restaurateur who used to work in his parent's restaurant, Cho Mark Yakiniku on Kapiolani Boulevard. That restaurant was sold some time ago and they're now helping him in his new venture. Its name will change to La Lieto Pasto in a month.
"Out of respect to (the buyer) and the whole deal, I allowed 30 days to give them time ... I agreed to let them use the name during the transition period," Wary said.
"Christmas Day is the last day the Auntie Pasto's name should be on that door."
But the new owner said nothing else will change.
"Everything's the same," said Chon. He kept all 30 employees, the menu and the hours, although those will expand eventually, he said.
Chon plans a grand opening with special promotions. A date has not been set.
The parking issue can be eased by placing bigger signs directing customers to the restaurant's shared parking with Irifune across the street, he said.
Eddie's, at 3607 Waialae Ave., was purchased by Y & W Associates LLC, a four-way partnership.
"They are pretty much going to keep the name, the concept, they wanted it all," said Hamachek.
The new owners have been working on some adjustments in the month they've been in charge, according to manager Scott Richardson.
Plans include combo meals for keikis and smaller eaters with downsized burgers, as well as specials for the Kaimuki Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Thursday, he said.
When Wary was building Eddie's out in June of 2002, he joked about his latest East Honolulu addition.
"We've gotta keep opening new (restaurants) to pay for the last one."
In announcing the sale of the two area restaurants yesterday he said, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."