DENNIS ODA / DOda@starbulletin.com Kainalu Among and his daughter Kanani, 11, and son, Keahi, 9, usually eat at the Shack in Hawaii Kai every Friday. Although, this week they visited the eatery on Thursday.

Shack rolls into Waikiki

With three locations already on Oahu, the Shack is planning to roll into Waikiki with a target opening date of early July.

The Shack Waikiki Sports Bar & Grill is expected to open at the Waikiki Trade Center at 2255 Kuhio Ave., next door to the Zanzabar Nightclub.

At about 8,500 square feet, it is the largest one yet, but will offer the same formula of beer, burgers, pupus and plate lunches at medium-ranged prices.

General manager Brendan Burchfiel said the new location expects to cater mostly to the people who live and work there.

The first Shack to open on Oahu was in Kailua in 1989, followed by the one in Hawaii Kai in 1991, and Mililani in 1999.

DENNIS ODA / DOda@starbulletin.com Enjoying a brew at the Shack in Hawaii Kai Thursday were Rich Leipertz, second from left, Matt Ochs, Rich's brother, Doug, and son Adam, and Monarch Mic.

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A new 8,500-square-foot Shack - the largest yet - is slated to open in early July at the Waikiki Trade Center at 2255 Kuhio Ave. next door to Zanzabar Night Club.

General manager Brendan Burchfiel said the deal has been in the works for the last year or so, before the shutdown of Aloha Airlines and ATA. The lease in Waikiki was signed in November.

Though the economy and visitor arrivals are on a downswing, Burchfiel said the Shack still expects to do well in Waikiki, using the same business model it's had for 35 years.

The Shack was voted one of Hawaii's best sports bars by Star-Bulletin & Midweek readers in 2007.

"What we're focusing on is the people who live and work in Waikiki first," said Burchfiel. "It is still going to be family-style and tavern-style. We're all about being part of everyone's day, whether it's for lunch or happy hour."

Burchfiel said the Shack's business model won't change in Waikiki - it will still offer burgers and beer for an average tab of $20 per person. Its menu includes burgers, salads sandwiches, fries, and plate lunches, all for less than $10.

There are also pupus, pitchers of beer, tropical drinks, wine and more than 20 different brews available on tap. The Shack is open for both lunch and dinner, with happy hour starting at 4 p.m. daily.

The Shack Waikiki will be the company's fourth location on Oahu, in addition to Shacks in Hawaii Kai, Kailua and Mililani. At the Waikiki Trade Center, the Shack will move into space formerly occupied by Legend Seafood Restaurant.

Fred Noa, senior vice president of retail and investment properties at CB Richard Ellis, said Kuhio Avenue is a good fit for the Shack.

"The Kuhio traffic is a more cost-conscious consumer," said Noa, who was not involved in the lease deal. "Kuhio has incredible traffic. In a market where we have so many higher price point experiences on Kalakaua, it opens up a wonderful little niche for the more price-conscious brands."

The Shack Restaurant Group was founded in 1972 in Playa Del Ray, Calif., which still has an outlet there today.

The first Shack to open on Oahu was in Kailua in 1989, followed by the one in Hawaii Kai in 1991, and Mililani in 1999.

The Shack Kailua is the smallest in size, at about 2,500 square feet, while the Hawaii Kai and Mililani Shacks measure about 5,600 square feet. There was also a Shack in Kapaa, Kauai, which closed down a few years ago.

Though visitor numbers are down, Burchfiel said he's not too worried about expanding at this time, given the Shack's longtime presence in Hawaii and its lower-priced formula.

"Everybody needs to eat and drink, so we're happy to provide that service, even when times are tough," he said.

Burchfiel said the Shack Waikiki will offer happy hours and menu specials, in addition to live music three times a week. He will be hiring between 80 to 90 employees for the new sports bar, from servers to managers.

The Shack's signature look is a sports pub made of logs, thatching and bamboo, complemented by tiki torches and Hawaiiana photographs. Sports are available live via satellite on several screens.