In a deal that has seen previous fits and starts, Big City Diner will be opening at Windward Mall in the space vacated by IHOP.
Big City Diner is expected to open in the 5,411-square-foot space in the first quarter of 2015, according to Lane Muraoka, owner and president.
"We’re excited," Muraoka said. "We’ve never been in a mall before."
The locally owned and operated restaurant chain has locations in Kaimuki, Kailua, Ward Centers, Waipio and Pearlridge, and serves what Muraoka calls Asian-American comfort food.
His team will begin assessing its preliminary design plan next week to determine where the bar will be built and how much work will be required to convert the space.
Its five existing locations tend to be a gathering place for sports fans.
"We had the (NFL) game (Thursday afternoon) and had a good crowd of Seahawks and Packers fans," Muraoka said.
Primarily, however, "we’re a family restaurant" that will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining, he said.
Big City currently employs 400 local residents and is in the process of hiring for the new Kaneohe location, for both front- and back-of-the-house positions.
The diner had been rumored, in the middle of last year, to be preparing to move into the space, but IHOP renewed its lease at that time.
IHOP has since entered into an early termination agreement with mall management and served its last meals at the end of August.
"With their awesome selection of local options and warm customer service, Big City Diner will bring an exciting new flavor to Windward Mall," said Richard Chang, Windward Mall general manager. "We are thrilled to continue to expand our options for shoppers, which in addition to Big City Diner includes new seasonal kiosks and shops like Hali Hali Rides and See’s Candies."
Other new seasonal tenants announced for the mall include Go!Calendars, Go!Games and Simply Halloween.
Big City Diner’s last restaurant opening came in 2007, when it opened its standalone restaurant at 98-211 Pali Momi St. in Aiea, near Pearlridge Center.
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ON THE NET:
» bigcitydinerhawaii.com
