“I think I’m going to close the restaurants today.” Renowned chef Mark Ellman’s voice was filled with emotion as he pondered the announcement he would make to his 140 employees at Frida’s Mexican Beach House and Honu Seafood, his family-owned Lahaina restaurants, Tuesday afternoon. MauiTime’s conversation with the restaurateur preceded Governor Ige’s directive to close all … [Read more...] about Painful Reality Fuels Ellman’s Decision to Temporarily Close Frida’s, Honu
Mark Ellman
Maui Tacos expanding nationwide
Maui Tacos is expanding its iconic fast casual Mexican restaurant nationwide, with 18 new stores scheduled to open by the end of 2019. Six new stores will open this year in Kahului, Hawaii; Monroe, Louisiana; Pearl City, Hawaii; Charleston, South Carolina; Reno, Nevada; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The 10 new stores in 2019 will include a store in Hilo on the Big Island. “Mexican … [Read more...] about Maui Tacos expanding nationwide
Jen Russo reflects on MauiTime’s 20th anniversary, what makes a successful Maui restaurant
People always ask me what makes a restaurant successful. Is it the food? Is it the service? What's the elusive combination of elements that creates a winning hit for a restaurant? Unfortunately, there's no easy answer. I've been devouring every tasty morsel made on Maui for the last 43 years and writing about it for the last 20, so I know: there's no definitive formula for … [Read more...] about Jen Russo reflects on MauiTime’s 20th anniversary, what makes a successful Maui restaurant
Maui Tacos to re-franchise six of its restaurants
Maui Tacos is expanding operations with plans to franchise its restaurants on the Mainland and worldwide. CEO Jeff Endervelt said the local brand also plans to re-franchise six of its restaurants as it begins the expansion; the company owns and operates eight restaurants throughout the Hawaiian Islands and is now accepting franchise applications throughout the states and … [Read more...] about Maui Tacos to re-franchise six of its restaurants