The more than 2,200 Jack in the Box restaurants in 18 mainland states have begun serving Kona-blend coffee that has been branded Kona Classic with a registered trademark.

“;Kona coffee is renowned for its smooth, rich taste and is one of the world's most popular coffees,”; said Tammy Bailey, division vice president of menu marketing and promotions for Jack in the Box Inc., in a statement.

The Hawaii stores have long been serving a Kona blend produced by Hawaiian Paradise Coffee and will continue to do so.

Both the parent company and the Hawaii Jack in the Box operators have solid relationships with their coffee providers “;so we did not feel there was a need to change our vendor relationships,”; said Brian Luscomb, division vice president for corporate communications.

The Jack in the Box java now served in the mainland restaurants is definitely from Hawaii, though because its vendor sourced the Hawaii coffee provider, the originating farms were unknown to Luscomb.

However, “;the amount of Kona beans in our registered Kona Classic blend meets the requirement of Hawaiian coffee associations,”; he said.

“;Even though the Kona Classic blend (is being) offered in our restaurants on the mainland, it was important to us that we abide by the intent of the Kona growers in Hawaii, regarding the formulation of the blend and the promotion of the product.”;

It is not the first time Jack in the Box has drawn on the cachet of Kona coffee. “;A couple years ago we launched a Kona Coffee Shake, and I know there was a lot of interest in the percentage of Kona”; beans in the product.

At that time, it also met the disclosure requirements for a Kona blend, he said.

The Kona Classic sells for a suggested $1.39 and $1.59 for regular and large sizes, while the 24-ounce iced coffee goes for $1.99. It is not a limited time offer; rather, it will be served until further notice, Luscomb said.

Convention Center crowned, again

Another year, another Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations magazine for the Hawaii Convention Center, where the annual three-day Kawaii Kon anime and manga convention wrapped up Sunday evening.

If you have been keeping track, that would make 12 Prime Site Awards in a row. Sadly, there is no such word as twelve-peat.

“;We are extremely pleased with our continuous success and share our excitement with our 26 sister facilities of the SMG ohana”; that also won awards, said Joe Davis, general manager, in a statement.

“;This award not only recognizes the facility but highlights Hawaii as a great destination for meetings and the hard work of our staff and destination partners.”;

Pennsylvania-based SMG operates convention centers, exhibition halls, performing arts centers and more around the world.

The publication's awards are decided by meetings and convention industry leaders involved with site selection, including promoters, booking agents and event planners.

Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Reach her by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).