Three months. That’s all the time we had to plan, organize, and execute what has now been called the best Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo ever. And let me be clear—those are not my words. Those are the words of our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.
From the very start, we heard one thing loud and clear: the food service industry in Hawaii needed a high-quality, high-impact event that truly served its needs. And in just three months, we delivered. With over 90 exhibitors, 210 booths, and 2,500 attendees, the numbers spoke for themselves. Thanks to our Expo app, which allowed exhibitors to track who visited their booths, we know that on the first day alone, one exhibitor reported over 900 attendees entering their exhibit space. On the second day, over 1,000 more visited their booth. And the resounding feedback? Quality over quantity: decision-makers and purchasers filled the room.
One exhibitor, a seasoned veteran in the media and communications industry, shared her amazement at the level of engagement. She had attended countless expos over the years, but never had she encountered so many true industry leaders in one place. By the end of the Expo, she had a list of over 100 restaurant and food service owners and key decision-makers who visited her booth. She commented that she has never held so many conversations with so many restaurant and business owners ever! That’s the kind of impact we aimed for—and we achieved it.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible sponsors. From the moment we announced this Expo, they stepped up, fully committed and all in. In such a short time frame, their unwavering support was nothing short of extraordinary. Their belief in our vision fueled our ability to deliver an event that exceeded all expectations.
A special thank you to our distinguished sponsors: Y. Hata & Co., Sysco Hawaii, SpotOn, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii Gas, Central Pacific Bank, American Savings Bank, and Altres. Their support was integral to the success of our event and showcased the strength of Hawaii’s food service community.
A heartfelt thank you to our Hawaii Restaurant Association Chairman, Andy Huang, and to our Incoming Hawaii Restaurant Association Chairman Mike Palmer and sta J. Kinmoto, who stood strong even when faced with pushback. Change is never easy, and we knew there would be challenges. But
we also knew that our exhibitors and sponsors had spoken, and we needed to listen. Our team spent hours replying to emails and returning calls to explain why, this year, we were going to listen to our sponsors and exhibitors and pre-qualify attendees.
Our exhibitors make significant investments to be part of this event—covering the costs of their booths, food and beverage samples, sta ng, and supplies—all while navigating rising costs in food and labor. They asked us to ensure that our event was exclusively for restaurant owners, decision-makers, and purchasers. And we honored their request. It wasn’t the Hawaii Restaurant Association that set this guideline—it was the exhibitors themselves.
To everyone who attended, supported, and believed in this Expo—thank you. Your enthusiasm, your engagement, and your commitment to elevating Hawaii’s food service industry made this event a resounding success. The conversations, the connections, and the collaborations that happened over those two days in February will shape the future of our industry. And for that, I offer my deepest gratitude.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association and the aio team have been thrilled to hear that our exhibitors are not only planning to return next year but many are also doubling their booth count!
As I’ve shared with the HRA Board of Directors, my vision for this Expo was to bring bling and sparkle—and on the first day, I knew we had achieved just that. A dear friend, who has been in the food service industry for over 40 years, came up to me and said, “Sheryl, there is a high level of excitement in the air at the Blaisdell Exhibition Center. I have never felt this before—congratulations!”
At that moment, I knew: The Hawaii Restaurant Association had delivered the sparkle, the energy, and the excitement that made this Food Service Expo truly unforgettable!
When I learned that the Hawaii Restaurant Association would not be part of a prior show in 2025, I knew we had to create our own—thus, the Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo was born. Our members needed a place to connect with new eateries, decision-makers, and purchasers to grow
their clientele. In this challenging business climate, I wanted to provide an opportunity for the entire food service community to build new relationships and rekindle old ones.
I am incredibly grateful to The Hawaii Restaurant Association administrative team and our team of volunteers who reached out to new restaurants, eateries, hotels, resorts, schools, country clubs, golf courses, government agencies, hospitals, and assisted living facilities that serve food. One of my most memorable calls was to an assisted living facility. Their response? An excited, “Yes! We would love to attend your Expo. Restaurants hope for a full dining room every day, but in our assisted living facility, we have a captive audience—we know exactly how many meals we need to serve!” We had a great laugh, and it was wonderful to meet them at the Expo.
Expanding our reach to the entire food service industry has strengthened the Hawaii Restaurant Association’s impact. The feedback from exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive. One exhibitor shared, “We will absolutely be back in 2026! The connections we made at your Expo more than paid for our booth.”
So, to everyone who helped make our Expo happen— from our hardworking team to our generous sponsors, committed exhibitors, and engaged attendees—thank you from the bottom of my heart. We did it, and we’re just getting started!
Huge Mahalo to our Hawaii Restaurant Association Administrative Team:
• Holly Kessler - Vice President
• Kenia Sciarrilli - Marketing Administrator
• Jaylina Abuy - Graphic Designer
• Dana-Lynn Rodrigues - Administrative Assistant
Your dedication, hard work, and passion made this event a historic success. We couldn’t have done it without you!
This is just the beginning. The 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo has set a new standard, and we are already looking ahead to 2026. Bigger, better, and blingier than ever!
SHERYL MATSUOKA, President & CEO, Hawaii Restaurant Association
The Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (HRAEF) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the restaurant and foodservice industries through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities to future generations. The foundation’s focus is on providing the necessary resources to help educational and labor challenges with the latest innovations in education, technology and training. The HRAEF supports the hospitality industry in Hawaii through programs that educate and inspire current and future hospitality industry workers.
HRAEF administers and supports Hawaii ProStart, a nationally accredited culinary curriculum, currently in 13
Hawaii public high schools, including Campbell, Castle, Kahuku, Kaiser, Kalani, King Kekaulike, Kohala, Leilehua, Maui, McKinley, Moanalua, Pearl City, Roosevelt. Hawaii ProStart o ers high school students the opportunity to learn about culinary arts and hospitality management in a hands-on environment. Hawaii ProStart students are actively engaged in the foundation’s fundraisers, having the opportunity to work alongside high-profile chefs in a fast-paced atmosphere, to get a true feeling of what it’s like to be a successful chef. Upon completion of the two-year program, students receive consideration for scholarship opportunities. Hawaii ProStart inspires our youth and increases the number of trained hospitality workers in Hawaii. Learn more at www.hraef.org
Braddahhood & Sistahhood Grindz (BG & SG) is in its fourth year of supporting UH Athletics. With 26 participating restaurants and over 40 corporate partners, total contributions by the end of the 2024-25 season will exceed $1 million. While the program aims to help all sports teams at UH Athletics, participating teams to date include football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, women’s water polo and women’s beach volleyball.
We are extremely grateful for the entire Hawaii Restaurant Association for being a leading program
member from the very start of BG & SG. Their ongoing support has been crucial to our growth and has played a huge role in the expansion and success of the organization.
We have some new and exciting developments planned for 2025 and can’t wait to share them with our community. We want to also extend our gratitude not only to the Hawaii Restaurant Association but to all our program members for their invaluable contributions.
Scan QR code to learn more!
From its inception, Hawai‘i Volcanic Beverages has been driven by a deep commitment to benefit Hawai‘i and its people. The company received the blessing of the late Uncle Ed Kaiwi, a respected kahuna and konohiki of Anahola, Kaua‘i, to launch this purposedriven project. Today, Hawai‘i Volcanic Beverages continues to evolve as a brand dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyles through locally sourced, natural beverages. Sourced from the pristine waters of the Big Island, their products harness the purity of Hawai‘i’s natural resources, o ering refreshing beverages that reflect the island’s rich volcanic heritage.
Their mission is to always “Be Pono” – to do what’s right by becoming an environmental leader in the beverage industry. Every bottle purchased helps clean our world’s oceans and supports their ongoing Pono Programs, both here in Hawai‘i and around the globe. We were honored to have Hawai‘i Volcanic Beverages at the 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo, where they showcased their incredible products and reinforced their dedication to preserving the land and sea. Their participation highlighted the significance of supporting locally grown and sourced products while actively contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for Hawai‘i and beyond.
Having Kuleana Rum Works at our expo was a true honor. As a local distillery, Kuleana Rum Works crafts its products with an incredible sense of place and purpose. Their rums are made with fresh cane juice from sugarcane grown right here in Hawaii, ensuring every sip reflects the island’s rich heritage and the dedication of its growers. Featuring locally sourced ingredients is essential to supporting sustainable practices and preserving the authenticity of Hawaiian craftsmanship. We’re proud to have had Kuleana Rum Works as a part of our event, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the islands in every bottle.
In 1946, a small shoyu (soy sauce) manufacturing plant was established in Kalihi, Hawaii by five local Japanese families amidst post World War II. Aloha Shoyu™ Company has survived through competition to become one of today’s market leaders in Soy Sauce sales in Hawaii.
Aloha Shoyu continues to expand its line of quality products which now includes Lower Salt Soy Sauce, Aloha Gold Soy Sauce, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce, White Distilled Vinegar, Cider Vinegar, Sushi No Tomo Vinegar, Barbecue Sauce, Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce, Somen Tsuyu Noodle Sauce, and Teriyaki Glaze and Marinades.
Tradition, local roots, and flavor make Aloha Shoyu products a favorite among Hawaiian islanders and visitors alike, so serve up your next favorite dish with a little Aloha.
The name Aloha Shoyu was conceived to reflect our deeply rooted island heritage melded with our Japanese origin and to portray the company’s core values. The word Shoyu originates from Japan and is a term widely accepted in Hawaii which refers to Soy Sauce. Aloha, a term widely used as a greeting, also signifies important values in the Hawaiian culture, which includes kindness, unity, humility and perseverance.
Over the years our line has grown from only soy sauces, to include a variety of sauces, marinades, and vinegars to meet the changing and expanding needs of the consumer. It is with this attention to detail and dedication to our customers that Aloha Shoyu has captured over 65 percent of the market share in Hawaii.
The 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA) Food Service Expo, held on February 26-27 at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the generous support of our esteemed sponsors. These partnerships played a pivotal role in creating an event that not only showcased the latest innovations in the food service industry but also fostered invaluable connections among professionals.
Founded in 1913 in Hilo, Y. Hata & Co. has grown to become Hawaii’s largest locally owned foodservice distributor, serving a diverse array of restaurants and food service operations statewide. Their commitment to providing high-quality products and solutions “with Aloha” has solidified their reputation as a cornerstone in Hawaii’s food infrastructure. At the Expo, Y. Hata & Co. not only showcased their extensive product range but also demonstrated their dedication to supporting the local food service community, reinforcing their role as a trusted partner in the industry.
Sysco Hawaii, a subsidiary of Sysco Corporation, is a leading foodservice distributor on the islands, o ering a comprehensive range of food and related products to restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities. Their participation in the Expo highlighted their commitment to delivering fresh, locally sourced products and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of Hawaii’s food service operators. By connecting with industry professionals at the event, Sysco Hawaii underscored its mission to help customers succeed while nourishing the communities they serve.
SpotOn is a cutting-edge technology and payment processing company that provides comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes. At the Expo, SpotOn showcased their suite of services, including point-ofsale systems, marketing tools, and loyalty programs, all designed to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. Their innovative approach empowers Hawaii’s restaurants to adapt to the evolving digital landscape, ensuring they remain competitive and e cient in a rapidly changing market.
WEDNESDAY COFFEE & PASTRIES SPONSOR
THURSDAY COFFEE SPONSOR
As the state’s only regulated gas utility, Hawaii Gas plays a vital role in providing clean, reliable, and a ordable energy solutions. Their presence at the Expo emphasized their commitment to supporting the food service industry with energy-e cient appliances and sustainable practices. By o ering expert insights and resources, Hawaii Gas helps businesses reduce operational costs and environmental impact, aligning with the industry’s move toward a more sustainable and e cient future. Their dedication to innovation and energy solutions ensures that Hawaii’s restaurants and food service providers have the tools they need to thrive while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Established in 1858, First Hawaiian Bank is the oldest and largest financial institution in Hawaii, known for its commitment to innovation, customer service, and community support. With a strong legacy of empowering businesses and individuals through comprehensive banking solutions, First Hawaiian Bank continues to be a trusted financial partner across the islands. Their sponsorship of the Mahalo Pau Hana gathering at the Expo fostered an environment of networking and appreciation, celebrating the vibrant food service industry that fuels Hawaii’s economy.
Founded in 1954, Central Pacific Bank has been a cornerstone of Hawaii’s financial landscape, o ering tailored banking solutions to local businesses and individuals. CPB is committed to fostering economic growth by supporting the food service industry through specialized business banking services, loans, and digital innovations.
As the Exhibitor Lounge Sponsor, CPB provided a comfortable and quiet space for our exhibitors to take private meetings and make phone calls, making it an essential part of the event. Their sponsorship created a welcoming environment where industry leaders could connect, recharge, and cultivate new opportunities.
With a mission to make banking easier and more accessible, American Savings Bank (ASB) has been serving the people of Hawaii for nearly a century. Known for its commitment to financial education, community development, and business support, ASB helps local
entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Their sponsorship of the Wednesday Co ee & Pastries station at the Expo ensured that attendees started the day refreshed, energized, and ready to explore new possibilities.
As Hawaii’s most experienced human resources organization, ALTRES/SimplicityHR has been helping businesses streamline their HR, payroll, and compliance needs for over 50 years. By providing innovative workforce solutions, they enable local restaurants and food service businesses to focus on growth while ensuring smooth operations. Their sponsorship of Thursday’s Co ee station at the Expo was a fitting way to fuel the industry professionals who keep Hawaii’s food scene thriving.
The 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo, held on February 26 and 27 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, was a resounding success—an event that brought together industry leaders, restaurateurs, and food service professionals for two days of networking, innovation, and collaboration. Amid the energy and excitement, the Hawaii Restaurant Association’s booth stood out as a beautifully designed and welcoming space, thanks to the incredible contributions of Jordan Rabe and the team at 1311 Events.
Their expertise in providing high-quality, thoughtfully designed furniture and decor transformed the HRA booth, the Exhibitor’s Lounge, and the Exhibitor’s Pau Hana into a professional and inviting environment. The elegant setup was visually stunning and functionally perfect, ensuring that every conversation, every meeting, and every interaction took place in a space that reflected the excellence of the industry we serve.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association extends its sincerest gratitude to Jordan and 1311 Events for their generosity. Their support played a vital role in the success of the Expo, and we look forward to future collaborations that continue to elevate Hawaii’s food service industry.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo extends its deepest gratitude to all sponsors for their invaluable contributions, which played a pivotal role in the success of the 2025 Food Service Expo.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors for their essential contributions, which were instrumental in making the 2025 Food Service Expo a remarkable success.
Non-Stop Travel played a vital role in the success of the 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo, held on February 26 and 27 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Their generous donation of $1,000 in gift cards—comprising two $250 certificates to Jade Dynasty and two $250 certificates to Gyotaku—not only added excitement to the event but also reinforced their commitment to Hawaii’s thriving food service industry. The giveaway drew great enthusiasm from attendees, creating memorable moments and celebrating the community’s support for local dining establishments.
Beyond their financial contributions, Non-Stop Travel’s generosity helped foster meaningful connections among industry professionals, restaurateurs, and food service providers. Their investment in the Expo brought the industry together for a dynamic and impactful event. The Hawaii Restaurant Association is deeply grateful for their partnership and recognizes the invaluable role they played in making the Expo a true success.
The 2025 Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo was nothing short of spectacular, bringing together 2,459 attendees, 90 exhibitors, and 211 booths in a dynamic showcase of Hawaii’s thriving food service industry. Over the course of two action-packed days, industry professionals networked, discovered innovative products, and forged valuable business connections. The excitement was palpable, with exhibitors reporting record-breaking engagement and an overwhelmingly positive response from decisionmakers and buyers. From bustling booths to insightful discussions, this year’s Expo proved to be a game-changer for food service professionals looking to expand their reach.
One of the biggest success factors of the event was the integration of the Whova app, which streamlined networking and amplified exhibitor engagement. With a cutting-edge badge-scanning
feature, exhibitors were able to capture 3,991 high-quality leads—not just random contacts, but vetted industry professionals ready to do business. Attendees took full advantage of the platform, sending 1,097 private messages, engaging in 307 community board discussions, and sharing 461 photos that captured the energy of the Expo. Sponsor impressions skyrocketed to 67,184 proving that brand visibility was at an all-time high. This seamless technology didn’t only connect people in the moment—it provided long-term value, allowing exhibitors to follow up and convert real opportunities into lasting partnerships. The 2025 HRA Food Service Expo set a new benchmark for industry events, and with this level of innovation and engagement, the future’s looking brighter—and busier—than ever.
The Exhibitor Mahalo Pau Hana, sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank, provided exhibitors with a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build relationships. A huge Mahalo to First Hawaiian Bank and the generous contributions of participating restaurants and beverage providers for ensuring exhibitors enjoyed an abundance of delicious food and beverages.
Held at the close of the first day of our Expo, this event was a much-welcomed gathering after an exciting opening day. First Hawaiian Bank’s sponsorship of the Mahalo Pau Hana fostered an atmosphere of networking and appreciation, celebrating the vibrant food service industry that fuels Hawaii’s economy.
ALL ATTENDEES: 2,459 EXHIBITORS: 90
BOOTH COUNT: 211
EXHIBITOR VISITOR REPORT
FUNCTION LEADS GENERATED TOTAL 3,991
COMMUNITY BOARD MSG
TOTAL 307 SPONSOR IMPRESSIONS
TOTAL 67,184 PRIVATE MESSAGES 1-ON-1 1,097
PHOTOS IN WHOVA 461
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These guys are great, and I’m not lion.
These are great, and I’m not lion.
CARGILL BEEF CHESTER FRIED OF HAWAII
