Denny’s Kona is locally owned and operated by Ali Sahito and his wife,
Kara, pictured here with their daughter, Allison. PHOTO BY KAREN ANDERSON/
SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
Located in the Crossroads Shopping
Center by Safeway in Kailua-Kona,
Denny’s is locally owned and operated.
Owner Ali Sahito credits his professional
crew for helping to make
Denny’s Kona a great place to dine. The
team includes Jennie Genesiran (kitchen
leader); and front-of-house leaders:
Runningbear Behrendt, Sharon
Smith, Amanda Gilroy, and Renee
Shillingstad.
“I have a team that has been with me
for a long time,” he said. “Two of our
cooks have worked here for 16 years. It’s
like family here, and that’s how we feel
about our customers as well.”
Ali and his wife Kara are generous
supporters to the local community.
Their Project Compassion program
has raised more than $200,000 for
organizations including Kealakekua
Dance Club, Kona Boxing Club, Girl
Scouts of Kealakekua, Hospice of
Kona, Cops on Top, Arc of Kona, and
Habitat for Humanity. Held on any
given Sunday at Denny’s from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m., Project Compassion events
bring 20 percent of all sales to the featured
fundraising group. Additionally,
if a customer gives a direct donation to
the group, they receive 20 percent off
their entire meal.
“It’s a family restaurant and that’s
why we feel so strongly about supporting
the community,” said Ali. “In addition
to visitors, the local community
is the mainstay of our business. It’s a
blessing to be here.”
Thanks to Kara, Denny’s has recently
converted to sustainable paper products
for its to-go boxes, straws, paper
cups and lids.
“We are trying replace all the plastic
and Styrofoam at our restaurant,” said
Kara. “Single-use plastic is a waste.”
Crafted cocktails take on a tropical
twist in West Hawaii thanks to the
plethora of fresh, local ingredients
available right here on Hawaii Island.
At Habaneros Grill, the refreshing
Mojito combines the juice of locally
grown lilikoi with agave lime, 1800
tequila, orange and mint. The homemade
Hibiscus Margarita is made
with a full ounce-and-a-half of hibiscus
infused 1800 Reposado tequila
created by Habaneros Grill. Other
Habaneros Grill cocktails include
watermelon, mango, lilikoi, strawberry
or dragonfruit margaritas — all
made with fresh island juices.
Kailua-Kona’s popular scratch
restaurant, Foster’s Kitchen serves
up proprietary cocktails made with
a variety of fresh juices, muddled
fruits and homegrown herbs. The
Blackberry Peach Bramble features
Foster’s scratch lemonade flavored
with peaches and blackberries muddled
inside a mason jar. Mint from
the garden goes into Foster’s Shaka
Me Rye whiskey cocktail showcasing
pineapple, while local hibiscus
and citrus comprise the lemongrass
Lele cocktail made with Kai Coconut
Pandan.
With the arrival of Executive Chef
Michael Quanan to Sheraton Kona
Resort & Spa, the cocktail menu is
slated for new crafted spirits and
cocktails blended with locally grown
herbs and fruit. Meanwhile at Queens’
MarketPlace, The Bistro restaurant
serves custom cocktails created with
fresh, island ingredients.
Fresh, local ingredients infuse a variety of signature cocktails at The Bistro
restaurant, located adjacent to Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas at Queens’
MarketPlace. PHOTO BY KAREN ANDERSON/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
10 ONO-LICIOUS || JULY 12, 2018
Crafted cocktails
showcase locally
grown ingredients
BY KAREN ANDERSON
SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
DENNY’S:
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
75-1027 Henry Street • (808) 327-2184
Poi Dog Deli
Serving Craft Beers & Great Sandwiches!
10% OFF Food Menu 4-7pm
Hours: 11am – 7pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
(808) 329-2917
75-1022 Henry St. #3
(Across the Street from Safeway)
Find Us on
Facebook & Instagram!
$2• $4• $6• $8
MENU
ADDITIONAL KONA SPECIALS
Seniors every day have low prices to choose from. All law
enforcement receive 50% off from regular menu. Every day
make it your way. Build your own breakfast or burger.
Every Sunday
& Tuesday Between
4:00pm - 10:00 pm
Locally Owned & Operated