HONOLULU COFFEE

October 1, 2023, is a day Ming Yang and neighbouring business owners will not forget; fire swept through five West 41st Avenue businesses and destroyed four storefronts. Ming’s Honolulu Coffee was spared; however, extensive water damage closed the shop for almost two months.

During this time, Jess’ Restaurant knew that Honolulu Coffee was struggling, so their managers contacted Ming and invited her to host pop-up coffee shops within their space.

“We all know each other. Kerrisdale business owners are all friends,” says Ming. “The pop-ups helped keep the business afloat and our staff on payroll.” They operated daily from mid-October until the shop reopened in late November.

“There were a lot of issues involved with reopening, then suddenly we were able to open with short notice. The first day back, people were extremely happy. We were finally home.”

We serve coffee with aloha and love.

The coffee shop conveys island vibes with its white shiplap walls, and the main colours of white and green create a cozy, laid-back, and bright theme.

In addition to owning the Kerrisdale coffee shop, Ming owns two other Vancouver franchises. She did not have experience in the coffee industry but was quick to learn and opened the three shops in quick succession. The Nelson Street shop opened in 2016, followed by Kerrisdale in 2017, and most recently, Olympic Village in 2022.

“I learnt everything with my team,” Ming says.

The fire was the second setback the Kerrisdale location faced in its seven years of operation. The COVID-19 lockdown was another extremely challenging time, but Ming was determined to keep their doors open when there were no mandated closures. She felt it was vital to keep connections alive.

Kerrisdale was a natural location for Ming to open her second shop. After moving to Canada, she lived in this community for two and a half years.

This is where I formed my first impressions of Canada. I am in love with this country because of Kerrisdale.

Many regular customers reside in the neighbourhood and frequent Honolulu Coffee. The staff know their names and their favourite drinks. Likewise, customers have their favourite baristas and have brought them birthday cakes, greeting cards and chocolates.

Honolulu Coffee was founded in 1992 on the southern shores of Oahu. Honolulu Coffee is one of the world’s premier farm-to-cup coffee companies dedicated to creating an exceptional, one-of-a-kind Hawaiian experience.

From their coffee farm located among the lush slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano on Oahu to local neighbourhood cafés, Honolulu Coffee is committed to sharing its signature Kona-grown beans and tropical food and drink menu with guests in Vancouver and around the world.

The shop is best know for its Kona coffee beans.

They receive shipments from Hawaii every two weeks. Ming mentions that packaged beans are available to purchase. They also serve coffee made from locally roasted ingredients.

The coffee shop serves various hot and cold coffee and espresso-based beverages, specialty drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, looseleaf teas, and craft beer. Their signature Hawaii Latte is sweetened with coconut and macadamia nuts.

The made-in-house food menu features an array of snacks and shared plates in addition to fresh-baked pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, tropical Acai bowls and seasonal desserts available for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

One of the top-selling baked goods is the sweet and moist house-made Guava pink loaf.

An essential part of Honolulu Coffee’s philosophy is the aloha spirit, which is all about providing an experience.

“Ohana is the word we use for our team, values, and community. Ohana is not just about blood relations; it’s about all who share a natural sense of aloha, about the best form of human expression: caring, teaching, inspiring, sharing, and supporting. At our café, customers become friends and family—they become ohana.”

This was apparent when the shop closed after the fire. In addition to supporting the popups, customers would visit the other Honolulu Coffee locations to check in and see how they were doing.

“The biggest reward comes from connecting to great customers and the baristas,” says Ming. “It’s not just about coffee. It’s about people. It’s an opportunity to grow together.”

Honolulu Coffee

2098 W 41st Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6M 4M4

Phone 604-620-2168

www.honolulucoffeeyvr.com

Story by Sarah Gordon (Feb 2024) @PALLAMEDIA