Happy-hour prices on mai tais this whole long weekend long, different food specials every day, and the standard 10 percent kamaaina discount on food, drinks, goods and services at the Brennecke’s family of businesses are all being offered in celebration
Happy-hour prices on mai tais this whole long weekend long, different food specials every day, and the standard 10 percent kamaaina discount on food, drinks, goods and services at the Brennecke’s family of businesses are all being offered in celebration of Brennecke’s Beach Broiler’s 20th anniversary.
Lealani Corporation, the parent company of Brennecke’s that includes Brennecke’s Beach Center, Brennecke’s Beach Deli and Nukumoi Surf Company, all across the street from Poipu Beach Park, all offer the kamaaina discount every day.
Nearly 100 people work for the corporation.
“It’s been a wild, fun, interesting time here in Poipu,” said Bob French. “We had the opportunity to open the building up after Hurricane Iwa (in 1982), and since I was left with only the slab of the Beach House Restaurant (after the hurricane), we thought we could maybe make a few changes and make it work for us.
“We started cleaning up after the (November 1982) hurricane, and opened for business Memorial Day weekend (1983) with the Brennecke’s Sea Side Snack Bar, with plate lunches, hamburgers, hot dogs and, of course, Hawaiian shave ice,” Bob French recalled.
“I remember the first time I had shave ice at Poipu Inn. I could barely see over the counter. That’s when my landlord, George Sueoka, was making the shave ice,” he said.
The second floor was totally gutted and re-built, with an open-air, balcony-style that took advantage of the beautiful ocean views and crescent bays that Poipu Beach has to offer.
The couple built and installed the island’s first commercial kiawe charcoal broiler, and began buying kiawe from Niihau Ranch in 1983.
“The view has changed, and is more beautiful than ever,” said Christine French. “After Hurricane Iniki in 1992, Poipu Beach Park and surrounding areas were pretty devastated. It was 11 and a half months before we could open the doors again,” she said.
“That time was spent working on a few more changes, tightening our belt, having a baby, and looking at all that God has blessed us with,” she remembered.
The restaurant and owners have garnered many awards over the years, including kudos from The Outdoor Circle of Kauai, and various dining guides and restaurant-ratings organizations.
Bob French was also named Kauai Small Business Person of the Year in 2001, though he quickly pointed out that the reason for his success is the team he has helped assemble.
The couple have a long list of “loyal” employees, starting with chef and general manager Ligia Baylon, who has worked for them for 25 years. Also on the management team are Joe Kamali Kali and David Badua, who both began with Lealani Corporation when they were teenagers.
Another longtime employee is Tony Garma, who starting working at Brennecke’s when he was 15. Some 15 years later, he is married with four children, “and still doing a fine job,” Christine French said.
“He has been awarded the employee of the month once a year as long as can be remembered, and has won employee of the year two times,” she said. The annual prize comes with a trip to the Big Island, complete with airfare, room and car.
The family business is conducted “with an attitude of let’s have fun, work hard, serve people, treat them well, and try to make a profit doing so,” they said.
Clyde French, Bob French’s father and company treasurer, ensures the family feeling. Long-time secretary Peggy Roberts, personnel director John Boulay, and restaurant managers Naomi Elaban and Solena Guerrero have been with the company for many years.
Restaurant and shop employees include Celia Rahe-Allee, Jack Fuller, Keiko Puu, Dee Morris and Marty Hoffman, all with the company for over 10 years.
“Four of five of our children have or are working with us, and the youngest will have his turn soon enough,” the couple said. “We already employ some employees’ children and grandchildren,” they said.
The couple also wished to thank the community for its continued support over the years.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler offers lunches and dinners. Brennecke’s Beach Center is an activities desk and logo shop. Brennecke’s Beach Deli offers cold drinks, sandwiches, Hawaiian shave ice and related items, and Nukumoi Surf Company, offering surfboards, surf lessons, apparel and related items, celebrates its ninth year in business this summer.
