Right smack in the middle of old Kapa‘a town stands a building that seems to be the epicenter of the “hip” life. Called the old Roxy building, the former theater is today home to an eclectic collection of businesses that,
Right smack in the middle of old Kapa‘a town stands a building that seems to be the epicenter of the “hip” life. Called the old Roxy building, the former theater is today home to an eclectic collection of businesses that, frankly, could charm the dreadlocks off a Rastafarian.
The building boasts an espresso bar, genuine Mexican restaurant, organic bread and cookie bakery, two gift shops, and a glass blowing shop, along with a used car dealership. But it’s the little retail shops that are the buzz around town these days. Take The Glass Shack, for instance. It’s the only place on island where visitors can watch a master glass blower create translucent kaleidoscopic ingots, rings, miniatures, and earrings. On a clear and cool day, the wind blows through the little corner shop taking the heat off the acetylene torch as customers of every persuasion mill about, asking myriad questions about the minutia of the work. Owners Bill Ginley, Kyle Doepke and Andy Palmer are only too happy to engage customers in the casual banter that has come to define the character of Kapa‘a and the Roxy. The trio opened shop Labor Day weekend, 2003, as did Lucky Kitty gift shop owned by Mali Roden and the Little Roadrunner Mexican restaurant owned by Jose Guerrero.
Guerrero was born in Mexico, and is a true believer in the Mexican way of cooking. Taco Bell doesn’t stand a chance in a taste test with his enchiladas smothered in Mole sauce. The Roxy building is a hodgepodge of stands, niches and cubicles, in which each entrepreneur plies their respective trade without worrying that it will somehow clash with their neighbor’s. Guerrero works next to Michael and Cecelia Rickett, owners of Country Moon Rising Bakery. The San Francisco natives make it a family affair and are often joined in the baking process by sons Chris and Jimmy. Their bagles, muffins and breads are sold wholesale to local restaurants, but if you like your bread still warm from the oven, this is the place. Of course, they use only organic ingredients.
Across from them is the Small Town Coffee Company, where owners Melody and Harmony Harwell run an espresso and food stand. Sidewalk signs seductively suggest the stores inside the building, and the Harwell sister’s bright smiles are the first things visitors see as they pass. Their shop acts as the bait, if you will. Once in, customers have a tough time leaving.
The building’s fantastic location near the- ABC store and across from the Olympic Café is only surpassed by the quaintness of the building itself. The place is so visually pleasing, and it’s a great place to sit and order something cool on a hot day and beat the Kaua‘i heat. Meanwhile, the scents that commingle n the bread, the Mexican food, the coffee n create a heady brew that wafts through the air and wets the appetite. The Coconut Calabash giftshop is next door where even the most finicky shopper can find something to take back home with them. Owners Grant Phifer and Bill Wills stock up with Pacific-rim items, many of which are made in Hawaii and on Kaua‘i. Finally, there’s the Lucky Kitty. It’s really the former ticket box, and looks like a parking attendant’s digs, but owner Mali Roden has crammed every square inch with things like custom jewelry, clothing, handbags and bath salts. The nice thing about all these shops is that the owners are actually happy to be there. Foot traffic is solid, the town is booming, but most importantly, these people love what they do. It’s definitely worth a visit and a good place to cruise when you’re kickin’ it in Kapa‘a. Holiday hours and Kama‘aina discounts are available.
Phil Hayworth, Business Editor, can be reached at 245- 3681 (ext. 251) and phayworth@pulitzer.net.
