WAIMEA — The stock on the shelves was dwindling at Ishihara Market Thursday afternoon as loyal customers dropped by to say mahalo to the Ishihara family for more than 80 years of business in Waimea.
A steady stream of locals and visitors wandered through the door, greeted by associates Cads Samio and Carrie Newcomb, who were striking up conversations with neighborhood faces and newcomers as they went through the checkout lines.
“It’s so sad, isn’t it?” Samio said. “We’re going to miss them.”
While the dry-goods sections still had a somewhat robust selection of canned and dry goods, cold drinks and chilled foods were disappearing as the store prepared for an 11-day closure and re-opening under new ownership.
The store was sold to Kalama Beach Corporation and will reopen Aug. 7, with a wider variety — especially in the meats section, said Darren Curammeng, assistant manager.
“It’s the last day,” he said, looking around. “There’s more people coming through than we expected, but the hotels in Poipu are full.”
It was an even mix of visitors and locals coming through the door, some on the hunt for a deal and others looking for something specific.
Kilileo Alquiza, who dropped by with her mom, was there for one of the market’s most popular dishes and was disappointed that their selection was already wiped out.
“I’m sad there’s no poke bowls,” she said as she went through the line.
She cheered up when she realized the store was reopening with a few more options in less than two weeks. The timing got even better for Alquiza when she found out the date for reopening is Aug. 7.
“That’s the first day of school,” she said.
It wouldn’t feel like the first day of school in Waimea without musubi from Ishihara, she said.
“We’re all staying, so you’ll have the same cooks, the same kitchen, the same guys prepping food,” said Curammeng.
The grocery store employs 50 people.
In between reminiscing with customers about the history of Waimea’s Ishihara Market and commiserating with those who voiced sadness at its changing hands, Curammeng assured the market would keep that close ohana feel.
“It’ll still be Ishihara,” he said.
Samio and Newcomb said KBC is keeping them busy over the closure, and they’re both looking forward to Aug. 7 when they can welcome the community back through their doors. “We’ll see you then,” Samio said.
What’s the new name? Or bull dozer the building. August 7
What store is it now? It’s like McDonald’s only there is new management. But this is not a franchise. Why would the owners buy Ishihara market? And why Waimea town?
The town don’t want to pay Ishihara market anymore. Object to his job as store worker. Don’t want Oshihara to get rich off Waimea town.
The new manager was hired by KBC? And counted Ishihara a nobody or nothing. So now they are closing. The manager is the junk no one. Assets? Him. And his boss, KBC.
You’re a lose Waimea high school athletics, stick together alumnus. Not rich lose is you. Committee. Weirdos in town.
How much hours did you dig the ground to get rich? Democrats and farmers like yourselves. Not much. Why expect pay? Democrats and the election.
Basically, because u like be like me, no need live in town, but know the town. “Florida” now a Republican. More city life. Exactly. Saw and touch a live display firework shell and now all u dumb locals are envious of me. 5″
Bwahahahaha… no one is jealous of living in Florida. No one is jealous of you being a republican and no one could possibly be jealous of you’re inability to write a simple sentence. Don’t ever come back
Thank you to the Ishihara Family for the service you’ve provided not only the West Side Community But the Island of Kauai, my family greatly appreciated walking into that store and really feeling as part of the family. Best wishes to you all on your new adventure.
KBC….PLEASE keep the PUPU recipes the same; it’s the best on the Island, especially the Poke.
We lived across street from the Ishihara”s and it was a pleasure to know them and to trade at the store.
When Costco and then Safeway came to town it was difficult to compete. The locals went where it was the cheapest. TRADE WITH YOUR LOCALS IF YOU WANT TOWN TO SURVIVE. Quit being mean to new owner, help them survive.