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Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. said Friday it is acquiring the six Hawaii Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations from franchise partner Desert Island Restaurants for about $35 million.
Randy Schoch, founder and CEO of Desert Island Restaurants, has operated the Hawaii Ruth’s Chris restaurants since 1994.
The restaurants are in Honolulu, Waikiki, Lahaina, Wailea, Mauna Lani and Kauai. The anticipated completion of the transaction is expected no later than the end of the first quarter.
Desert Island Restaurants will continue to operate its two Romano’s Macaroni Grill restaurants at Ala Moana Center on Oahu and at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii island.
Judge denies TRO by Island Air lessor
Island Air’s aircraft lessor had its motion denied Friday for a temporary restraining order that could have shut down operations of the state’s second-largest carrier.
Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris denied a motion by Irish-based Elix Assets 8 Ltd. that sought to stop Island Air from operating and repossess the airline’s three remaining aircraft. Elix filed the emergency motion Oct. 24 because it said it terminated the leases for nonpayment before Island Air filed Oct. 16 for Chapter 11 reorganization.
Beauty retailer to open 2 stores on Oahu
A company that claims to be the largest beauty retailer in the United States plans its first stores in Hawaii.
ULTA Beauty, an Illinois-based chain with 1,010 stores in 48 states and the District of Columbia, plans to open two stores on Oahu. Local retail property owner Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced Friday that ULTA will be a tenant at two of its properties, Pearl Highlands Center and a retail complex in Kailua called Lau Hala Shops, which used to be a Macy’s store.
A&B expects the ULTA stores to open next summer or fall.
ULTA, which was established in 1990, sells cosmetics, fragrances, hair and skin products, and other accessories. Its stores also feature a full-service salon.
Briefing set on protecting Oahu ag land
The city Department of Planning and Permitting plans to hold one more public briefing on its plan to protect about 50,000 acres of privately owned farmland on Oahu from nonagricultural uses.
The briefing is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Aiea Intermediate School cafeteria.
Two initial briefings were held in January after DPP notified about 2,000 landowners that their property, already zoned for agriculture, was being recommended for long-term preservation as farmland under a state-mandated process to designate and protect important agricultural lands. DPP identified 52,575 acres on Oahu for potential protection.
Following the Nov. 20 meeting, DPP plans to submit its recommendation to the City Council for review. It is ultimately up to the state Land Use Commission to decide whether the land should be protected under a 2005 state law that established criteria for important ag land and the process to protect it.
More information about the initiative is available at mapoahuagland.com.
ON THE MOVE
>> Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. has announced that Del Sherman is the county’s new information technology manager. Sherman has been acting IT manager for the county since March. He also worked as an IT manager for Florida’s Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years.
>> The Honolulu City Council has confirmed that Pam Witty-Oakland is director of Community Services. She held the position from January 2013 to September 2014. During her tenure, Witty-Oakland helped to implement $100 million in community and workforce development programs as well as senior social services and housing.
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