PO‘IPU — Francis Takahashi of Miki Macs honey and macadamia nuts said they’re planning for dinner following the Wednesday pop-up farmers’ market at The Shops at Kukui‘ula.
Takahashi was conferring with chef Mark Arriola of Living Foods before adjourning to his table at the weekly market.
Living Foods, described as a specialty grocer that aims to bring the Kaua‘i community healthy food choices and a place for kama‘aina and visitors alike to gather, features a cafe offering coffee and fresh baked goods and an all-day restaurant offering a range of gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“The dining area is going to be open all day,” said Arriola. “Living Foods opens from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., nightly to start. People can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
The opening date for Living Foods is still a moving target, said Stacie Chiba-Miguel, the Alexander &Baldwin regional manager.
“They have been busy cleaning and preparing the place,” Chiba-Miguel said. “Residents and visitors will have more shopping and dining options at The Shops at Kukui‘ula when Living Foods will offer new offerings of restaurant-quality, ready-to-eat items while shopping for local and organic fresh products.”
Several dates were put on the table on when Living Foods would open their doors. But with the leaders keeping an eye on developing COVID-19 conditions, and consideration for anxious shoppers who have peeked through the closed doors on many occasions, Matthew Duncan, the Living Foods assistant general manager, said it will be one day this week.
Living Foods Managing Partner Nicole Freeland said the team is getting excited as the days peel off toward opening the doors.
“We look forward to offering premier food items and first-class customer service to our guests,” Freeland said. “Our new ownership and team are excited to be part of The Shops at Kukui‘ula ‘ohana, and are ready to serve the community.”
Combined, the owners and management team of Living Foods has more than 30 years of experience in the Kaua‘i restaurant industry. Freeland will be leading the team that includes Duncan and Arriola.
For more information, visit livingfoodshawaii.com, or follow the crew @livingfoodshawaii on social media.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
