It all started with a love for local comfort food and the goal to share it with others.
“Both of us loved shabu shabu and wanted to share it with everyone,” explained Rokaru Shabu Shabu Owner Mark Ishii when asked why he decided to open a hot pot joint with his friend, Reid Watanabe.
The two previously partnered to open a bar called The Ville in Ewa Beach, where they worked together in creating a menu that served local comfort food.
“It was at The Ville where we had many talks about different types of businesses we felt could be a success,” said Mark.
On July 15, 2016, Rokaru Shabu Shabu opened its doors in the Pearl City Gateway Shopping Center. Owners Reid and Mark had a vision to not only serve up delicious grinds, but to also support local businesses with their local business.
“Being a small business and knowing the trials and tribulations of making your business successful, we wanted to make sure to support our local businesses and help them become successful,” explained Mark Ishii.
It’s not surprising that Rokaru actually translates to “local” in Japanese. If you look at the menu, it’s easy discovered that Rokaru Shabu Shabu surely lives up to its name.
“We proudly source ingredients from Kulana Farm, Kahumana Farms, Two Ladies Pig Farm, Aloun Farms, Makaweli Ranch and more,” explained Reid Watanabe. “We also use Cropsticks, sustainable bamboo chopsticks with a built-in rest that were created here in Hawaii.”
When you eat here, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal – you’re also supporting the local community.
What does the future hold? Mark and Reid plan to keep serving up onolicious Japanese and local comfort food with the possibility of opening other locations in Hawaii and beyond.
To say a special mahalo, Reid and Mark will be having fun giveaways on their social media during the whole month of July. Be sure to follow @RokaruHi on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out!
Rokaru Shabu Shabu is located at the Pearl City Gateway Shopping Center in Pearl City, Hawaii. The hot pot restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Friday- Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Hot Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the all-you-can-eat option, which includes unlimited shabu shabu and appetizers plus sherbet for dessert starting at $25.95 for lunch and $29.95 for dinner.
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