StarBulletin.com

Wharf lease awarded


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POSTED: Saturday, January 16, 2010

The operator of Pizza Bob's in Haleiwa submitted the winning bid yesterday for the Fisherman's Wharf restaurant lease at Kewalo Harbor.

Only two bids were officially offered by yesterday afternoon's deadline at the Hawaii Community Development Authority office.

TFWR LLC, a new company based in Kapolei, offered $16,230 a month with 6 percent in percentage rent, while Advanced Restaurant Management Ltd., which runs Pizza Bob's, offered $21,265 a month with 5.25 percent in percentage rent.

Advanced Restaurant Management was named the winning bidder subject to confirmation of its qualifications. Notice of intent to bid by qualified bidders was due Jan. 4.

HCDA is offering a seven-year lease, starting March 1, with two options to extend another four years for a total of 15 years.

The lease offers six months rent-free while construction is under way.

It requires the restaurant operator to feature a menu and decor celebrating the unique history of Kewalo Basin Harbor, and allows for alterations and interior renovations, but not the demolition, of the two-story, 7,441-square-foot building.

“;It's a fabulous location,”; said Bob Miller, director of operations for Advanced Restaurant Management. “;The restaurant used to be an icon, and apparently it's had a very long and colorful history. We're looking forward to something the community can enjoy and use.”;

Bob Lee, owner of Advanced Restaurant Management, has been in the restaurant business for more than three decades, Miller said. He's owned Pizza Bob's in Haleiwa since 1974, and also owned Rosie's Cantina for nearly 30 years before it closed in August.

Since Rosie's closed, Miller said, the team has been searching for a new opportunity.

He said it was too early to go into details but that the overall idea is to restore Fisherman's Wharf restaurant to what it once was, without any dramatic changes. The company will work with an architect specializing in restoring historical restaurants.

The downstairs might offer casual dining, said Miller, while the upstairs, which features an ocean and Diamond Head view, can be a little more upscale. There will likely be a bar as well.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served, offering local-style food that appeals to residents, patrons of the harbor and visitors alike.

Nittaku Investments, the previous tenant, was on a month-to-month lease for many years at Fisherman's Wharf before the lease went up for bid. Prior to that, Spencecliff Corp. had run the restaurant.

While it is a risk in a down economy, Miller said this was a good time to jump at a good opportunity.

“;Hopefully when we get it fixed up and looking good, people will return to it,”; Miller said.

“;At one time it was a great restaurant. I think we can turn it into something that people can enjoy.”;