Kaua‘i’s Jamba Juice among 32 stores under new ownership • Island Air set to go up for sale • Taco Bell restaurants in Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a under new ownership Kaua‘i’s Jamba Juice among 32 stores under new ownership HONOLULU — The
Kaua‘i’s Jamba Juice among 32 stores under new ownership • Island Air set to go up for sale • Taco Bell restaurants in Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a under new ownership
Kaua‘i’s Jamba Juice among 32 stores under new ownership
HONOLULU — The Kaua‘i Jamba Juice, located at Kukui Grove Center, is among 32 stores acquired by Chris Scanlan and Eddie Park, owners of Hawai‘i’s Jack in the Box franchise.
The franchise was purchased from a group of investors, including Duncan MacNaughton, for an undisclosed price.
The partners’ Blue Pacific Juice LLC took over operations of the 32 stores from JJC Hawai‘i LLC last week, the company reported.
Blue Pacific Juice Vice President Donna Yano, who manages day-to-day operations for Jack in the Box Hawai‘i, will also run the Jamba Juice operations.
Scanlan and Park also own and operate 27 Jack in the Box restaurants in Hawai‘i.
“We’ve been fans of Jamba Juice for nearly a decade, and we’re thrilled to add Jamba to our portfolio of brands,” Scanlan said in a statement. “We believe there is tremendous potential to continue to grow the Jamba brand in Hawai‘i and build upon the strong brand that is created.”
MacNaughton, chairman of The MacNaughton Group, brought Jamba Juice to Hawai‘i in 1999 with partners Dean McPhail, Greg Meier and Scott McPhail, three years after introducing Starbucks to the islands.
Island Air set to go up for sale
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i Island Air, Inc. (Island Air) has entered into an agreement that it believes will lead to a sale of the company to an undisclosed buyer.
Les Murashige, president of Island Air, feels this is a great opportunity for the future of the company.
“The company has gone through a number of challenges recently and a new owner will bring a fresh perspective to the company,” he said.
Murashige said there are a number of hurdles that must be cleared before the closing of the transaction.
He expressed optimism the hurdles would be cleared and the new ownership would be in place within the next six to eight weeks.
“We are prepared to move forward and have been meeting with the relevant groups who have a role in making this happen,” Murashige said.
Taco Bell restaurants in Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a under new ownership
HONOLULU — The Taco Bell restaurants located in Lihu‘e and in Kapa‘a are under new ownership this week after TD Food Group was acquired by private investment firm Nimes Capital.
Nimes Capital completed the acquisition of TD Food Group, operators of 84 Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s and A&W restaurants in Hawai‘i, Guam and Saipan. Nimes Capital is a private investment firm based in California.
Henry Katsuda, who has served for more than 30 years at TD Food Group, and Theo H. Davies & Co. Ltd. before then, will continue as president and CEO.
“We have found an ideal partner in Nimes Capital; one that recognizes the dedication and hard work of our over 2,000 employees and is as committed as we are to providing the highest quality food and customer service,” Katsuda said.
Katsuda said Nimes Capital understands the leading market positions of the company’s brands and the importance of Hawai‘i’s deep rooted culture and core values.
“We are extremely excited to invest in TD Food Group and to build upon the success of Henry and the senior management team as we explore growth opportunities in Hawai‘i and beyond,” said David Nazarian, CEO of Nimes Capital.
The private equity investment arm of Nazarian Enterprises, Nimes Capitol bought TD Food Group from Brentwood Associates for an undisclosed price.
Both investment firms are based in Los Angeles.
TD Food Group was originally owned by Theo H. Davies & Co. Ltd., until Brentwood Associates bought TD Food Group in 2004.
Company President and CEO Henry Katsuda, the entire executive team and roughly 2,000 employees will remain with the company in their current roles.
Katsuda said the acquisition likely means the company will be looking to grow its business in Hawai‘i.
TD Food Group already has 38 Pizza Huts, 30 Taco Bells and one A&W/Long John Silvers restaurants in the state. It also has 14 restaurants on Guam and one on Saipan.
“We penetrate most of the key trade areas,” Katsuda said. “There are still opportunities to grow in specific gap areas that we’ve identified recently.”
