Popular Kailua eatery closing after 22 years

The Food Company in Kailua, a local eatery serving omelets, plate lunches and a variety of dishes supporting locally grown produce, is closing its doors Saturday after 22 years in business.

In a note posted on its front door at Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, 1020 Keolu Dr., as well to its Instagram page, the restaurant informed customers that it would be closing because the landlord chose not to renew its lease.

“To our wonderful customers…” said the note. “It is with a heavy heart that after 22 years of serving the Enchanted Lakes community, we will be closing our doors on Saturday, December 21st, 2019. This comes as a complete shock to me & my entire staff…As the saying goes ‘When 1 door closes another 1 opens.’ We look forward to finding another location and continue to serve you again with all of our heart & soul.”

Owner Brenda Tanaka said she hoped to be able to find a new location, eventually, and to reopen elsewhere in Kailua.

The Food Company offers a large selection of breakfast items and local-style plate lunches on one side, in addition to musubi, bentos, and baked goods to go, in addition to catering, while a sit-down restaurant next door, FC Cafe, offers multiple-course dinners prepared by modern ethnic cuisine Chef Jason Kiyota.

Longtime customer Carol Tanaka (no relation) said she and her family have been going to The Food Company since they opened.

“It’s really sad to see them close,” she said. “I hope it opens another opportunity to open somewhere else…We love the Japanese bentos and recently discovered the mochiko tofu…It’s for locals, so it makes me sad.”

The casual side is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays the rest of this week, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its last day Saturday. FC Cafe will serve its last multi-course, wine-paired dinner on Christmas eve.

The Food Company Market & Cafe was listed in the Star-Advertiser’s 2019 ‘Ilima Awards guide to top restaurants.