If Hoku Gordines, manager over Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, can get just 10,868 more of his Famous Mai Tai out to his customers, he may have accomplished something no other restaurant has ever accomplished. That’s how many more Mai Tais he
If Hoku Gordines, manager over Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, can get just 10,868 more of his Famous Mai Tai out to his customers, he may have accomplished something no other restaurant has ever accomplished.
That’s how many more Mai Tais he needs to reach the 1 million sold mark. For the past 31 years, Brenneke’s has been selling Mai Tai’s right on the beach to people from all over the world, he said.
Gordines estimated that by 2016, someone in his restaurant will walk away with the grand prize of not only having drank the 1 millionth Mai Tai, but an array of prizes that include a two-night stay at Koa Kea Resort in Poipu Beach.
“It’s world famous because of this,” Gordines said smiling as he pointed to an open window that displayed palm trees and a view of Poipu Beach. “You drink Mai Tais, you go home and you tell your friends.”
That’s what Brennecke’s is. An upstairs open-air atmosphere where you can sit back, listen to great music and get in some nice beach views. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5 p.m.
Brennecke’s offers live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, from 8:30 to 11, That and the fact that Brennecke’s is one of the only places on the island that offers a reverse happy hour from 8:30 p.m. to closing.
“It stimulates a little bit of nightlife and a little bit of fun for locals and visitors alike,” Gordines said. “We are consistent and we just happened to have a cool location.”
But Gordines said Mai Tais and happy hours aren’t all Brennecke’s offers. Aside from the beach views, as it sits right next to Poipu Beach Park, the dishes are to die for. Just ask server Falcon Valeria.
He recommends every pupu item on the Happy Hour menu. But if Happy Hour pupus aren’t your thing and you’re looking for for a full-on meal, enjoy lunch or a light dinner, too.
Brennecke’s lunch and light dinner menu includes classic American favorites such a Burger Deluxe and a Chicken Breast Sandwich but also includes local Hawaiian dishes like Ahi Sandwich and BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwiches. Prices range between $13-18.
“Even the veggie burgers are delicious,” Valeria said.
Brennecke’s is a family owned business and Gordines’ 64-year-old father, Bob French, still comes in as much as possible. And his grandfather before him, Clyde French — a banker — held the business once, too. Even Gordines’ children Lilia, Reyna and Xavier stop in from time to time.
“That’s just how life is here on Kauai and for me here at the restaurant,” Gordines said. “It’s not so much that they come and visit me all the time, it’s just so family oriented. It’s a unique place. The people in the restaurant, the location, our surroundings in beautiful Kauai that make it so unique.”
