Kenny’s Restaurant

Every year after commemorating the memorial of Jesus Christ, my family and I would always eat dinner at Kennys… Kennys is where home is… Many fond memories… not only memorial times I go, but sometimes with friends and family we go here during days to enjoy breakfasts or lunch. I miss their local foods… Man I will miss Kennys. Thanks to the owners and all the workers there.

Worst customer service I’ve EVER had.
I’m not even going to be nice about it since my review wouldn’t matter now that they are closed as of Sunday, July 5, 2015. This is my 2^nd time visiting within this year and the 1^st time I came here this year wasn’t as great either so when I made my last recent visit here it just made it more worst of an experience to even make it memorable as it shuts down its business.
Years ago growing up, this use to be a family spot to dine is as we lived in this area my whole life. Back then, service was better and food was decent enough to keep coming back. Then somehow years down the line, I drifted away from going to the restaurant as frequent as I used to as I noticed things have changed a lot overtime: the food the service, etc. It just didn’t seem the same as it was during my childhood years. Perhaps new management and cooks? Maybe. I really missed the Kenny’s burger house though, that was the best ever in Kam Shopping.
Within the last week that the business was still open, a group of friends and I decided like everyone else to go there one last time to pay tribute to our childhood restaurant. It was understandable that the wait was a little longer due to the hype of people wanting to try it one last time. We went around the evening time and they quoted 30 minutes for the wait so we waited since we were already there. Although we noticed from the outside window there were quite a few tables that were open and some of them wasn’t cleared fast enough. We were beginning to think if there was enough staff to tend to those tables.
We finally got seated after over half an hour waiting with a little over an hour to spare before they emphasized that they were closing soon. No greeting whatsoever from our waitress, our water came almost 10 minutes later and ordering our food took almost 20 minutes to place. Our waitress gave us the vibe that she’s so over her job and that customer service was not even priority knowing that they’re closing anyways. And like she was in a rush to do everything like the restaurant was super packed or something but it wasn’t at all. There was no mad rush of customers to tend to as we looked around the restaurant.
She brought out all the utensils of forks and knifes all in one pile expecting us to self serve them to each other. We even had to ask the other waitresses for more napkins. She was not even aware of her surroundings that she was in a rush to take back our menus and didn’t even realized she hit one of my friend in the face with the menu and didn’t apologize for it. Like you might as well quit already if you’re gonna give that attitude of not caring because the restaurant is closing! Don’t you wanna leave an impression of giving good customer service? Would you really want to be treated the way that you treat us customers who are trying to enjoy the last meals of the restaurant? We were like so over it ourselves but we were hoping that the food would make up for that.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get worst, it did. We ordered Korean fried chicken with fried rice, local beef stew, fries, 4 different prep and sides of the prime rib. Almost half an hour later, our food comes out all wrong. The Korean chicken was so burnt and tasteless. I tried biting another piece and it was the same all around so I couldn’t bare to eat more because it was horrible and to top it off the veggies were overcooked. The only thing good was my fries that was the only thing that seemed fresh. The local boy stew was cold like not one ounce of heat in that dish. Did it just come out of a can or something?! They should really call it soup not stew because it’s a soupy tasteless base. The prime ribs were not prepared as asked for. It was overcooked.
Most of the prime ribs had to be sent back but we were so disappointed that we didn’t even want to dine in anymore and wait for them to correct it. It was the worst service I’ve ever had in my life. The food outcome didn’t even do justice to enjoying our last dinner there as their last few days of closing. The manager on duty had nothing else to say either like even he probably didn’t give much care. So we left after none of us enjoyed a bite of our food. Almost 2 hours of waiting only to be disappointed.
Maybe there’s a reason why it’s finally closing its doors. Don’t get me wrong I did have a lot of memories during my early years when it was much better than I had experience. So thank you Kennys for all the years of business then, maybe it’s for the best that it’s time to give another food venture place a chance to lighten up this area with something different.
Through the good and the bad, I wish the restaurant and it’s employees nothing but the best in their future endeavors. They managed to stay in business for almost 50 years so I’m sure a lot of memories were made here for everyone who stepped into this restaurant. Looking forward to what will come of this place for whatever business will take over.

Mahalo to everyone at Kenny’s Restaurant for your service to the community. Learning that Kenny’s will be closing, we decided to come here on their last day of business Sunday, July 5, 2015. I must say I should have coming here sooner. I ordered Kenny’s Chinese Chicken Salad and it was so Ono! My other half had the Japanese Combo which consists of miso soup, tonkatsu, Teri beef slice, chicken and macaroni salad. Delicious!

Being an icon in the Kam Shopping Center in Kalihi for all these years since 1966, you’re now leaving us, Kenny’s, and it’s very difficult to say goodbye to you.
I remember visiting you often when I was a keiki, when my sister Keanu was attending Kamehameha School up the hill. My dad or grandma would take us to you — Kenny’s — after school, or on the weekend to grab a bite from your coffee shop, or from your burger house nearby. Not to mention Pete’s Model Craft, my other favorite place there «back in the day».
That said, throughout all the wonderful DECADES you served us your ono ‘kine grindz, we will ALWAYS remember you most as «Kenny’s… in the Kam Shopping Center in Kalihi’eee».
On my visit the day before closing, I sat down and had a wonderful conversation with John Fujieki, Jr., owner of Kenny’s Restaurant. Coming from being the former President of Star Maret, John is a super down to earth and warm hearted guy. He’s a great soul. So much so, we actually literally shed a tear together over talking about how symbolic Kenny’s is to the local community who grew with the restaurant.
While John couldn’t go into details about what will replace Kenny’s, he did throw out the possibility that there’s a prospective opportunity from some big wigs in Hollywood who want to continue the business as Kenny’s. But don’t quote anyone on that. I shall keep that in my prayers.
An institution and icon in our collective memory, Kenny’s Restaurant will close its doors of operation on Sunday, July 2, 2015, serving Hawaii since 1966.
*Sheds and sobs major tears*

When we got there, we got seated by this nice young man. He gave us our waters and settings and menus.
We were ready to order 10 minutes after and we waiting for 30 mins for them to take our order. One table already left because they got there at the same time as us and they’ve waited long too. Also, our table left too.
I get that they’re closing down and it’s crowded but they should always check up on each table to see if they need service or anything.

When I saw in the news this past week that Kenny’s in Kalihi was closing my husband and I decided we were going to be sure to make it out there one last time. So our little of family of three went last night. I can’t say we were greeted with a smile or unbelievable food or service. But I think we wanted to just pay tribute to a place where in our old skool days, could get affordable meal with our family or friends. We began talking about how we really miss the burger house and how downright disrespectful it was when a McDonalds took the place of the home of the Suzy Q or Terri King! As we all know in the restaurant business nothing is forever so we say thanks Kenny’s for providing us with yummy comfort food over these many years. I will always know your jingle «Kenny’s at the Kam shopping center in Kalihi…» and it will always make me smile because remembering your establishment helps me to remember all the people I shared meals with, so many great memories! Mahalo and blessings on your new journey!

I figure I better write something before they are gone forever.
Small kid time my grandparents would bring us here, or to the drive inn one, or the burger house before Mcdonalds came around.
Present day. Service was lacking– usually older ladies that were just there because it was a job. The food was alright. The last decent thing I had there was a Reuben. A few weeks ago I got breakfast to-go…the usual eggs, sausage, has browns…$ 10!!! Ill just stick to a plate lunch place for breakfast. Kennys has been a cornerstone of Kam Shopping Center but I guess all things must come to an end at some point.

K let me start by saying ‘don’t kill the messenger’ but damn the food today was excellent and even though there was only 1 waitress on the floor she could hustle.
FOODWISE: Everything was PERFECT. We had the pork chop which was nicely breaded and fried to a golden perfection that had a nice crunch when you bite into it.
SERVICEWISE: Even though there was only 1 waitress on the floor and it got packed everything was all good. My beverage was almost always filled. She even warmed up our apple pie (which was awesome with the cold vanilla ice cream).
Honestly I hope to go back before they close on July 5^th.

Kenny’s has been a go-​to favorite for my family for many years. It’s a diner-​type setting, including counter seating. It’s conveniently located in Kam Shopping Center, so there is good opportunity to find parking for this place.
We came here for dinner the other night. Our server was Vicky, and she was very good! My grandpa has diabetes, and low blood sugar will make him dizzy. She promptly brought him out a papaya to tide him over. She also made sure to promptly bring out our drinks.
For the food, I’m on a low-​fat diet. I ordered the mahimahi with brown rice. I mentioned I was on a low-​fat diet, and she accommodated me by even adding steamed vegetables! I was very grateful. The mahimahi was delicious (maybe this is just because I’ve been eating grilled chicken and salad all week, lol), and I had no complaints.
Kenny’s also has an extensive menu offering breakfast items and many lunch items. Other favorites of mine are the corned beef hash with rice and scrambled eggs, their fried rice (both regular and kim chee), Kama’aina Chop Steak and their hot turkey sandwich (turkey on a croissant with gravy and mashed potatoes, yum!)! The prices are also not too high, so it’s a good place to stop for a casual, leisurely lunch or for breakfast out with the family.
This will always be a go-​to place for us. They also offer take-​out for if you want some good eats, but you’re on the go. Definitely recommend!

Usually a great experience. Server didn’t bring my regular ice water just the hot water. Found out after I got the bill that they charge for hot water $.55!
She didn’t bring the extra napkins. And had to go up to see her when we had to have the food cooked more.
Would return but will remember the customer service is not as smooth as before.

I lived in Kalihi for the past 3 years and never thought to come to this place until my fiancée convinced me to try it.
The service is fast!!! Got our food in less than 10 mins.
Thanks to our server Donna for the pleasant experience as well. One of the best servers I’ve had.
The food was good too. I had the mushroom omelette. It was good, there was a special sauce that made the omelette the best in the area.
My new favorite place!

I like the Reuben panini and the kids meal for my son. The place reminds me of the old dinner feel without having to go far. Food is warm and taste like grandma’s cooking :).

Good food, friendly service. we came in at noon and were seated immediately. Food comes out fast! Imelda was our waitress and she was an integral part of the good experience today.
We had salads and the Suzy Q.

Haven’t dined here in years, so was totally unprepared for the huge increase in pricing! Used to be a nice, neighborhood family restaurant, but with the prices they are now charging, you would expect something more upscale and in town or Waikiki.
My Korean chicken with cooked veggies and mashed potatoes was good; the chicken was flavorful without being heavy or greasy. The sodas are refillable at no extra charge.
My favorite dessert, the Manager’s Special, which is a piping hot large waffle with scoops of vanilla ice cream and strawberries in sauce and lots of whipped cream used to be $ 4.99 but now prices out at $ 9.55! That’s really expensive… Sigh!
Guess we won’t be dining here too often.

We ended up at this local diner on New Year’s Day because it was one of the few places that was open. I ordered the steak and eggs for 12 bucks. The steak was cold, gristly, not cooked rare as I requested, and the eggs were very runny. My family enjoyed what they ordered (macaroni and cheese and the loco moco), though.
My advice would be to stick to the basics here. There are plenty of local favorites that I’m sure can be done well enough here. Prices are indeed a bit high for the quality of the food. As has been stated other reviews, it’s a good place if you don’t know what you want or where you want to eat. You just end up here.

I really only go to this place when it is convenient. I do miss those diner days of my youth and Kenny’s really hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s probably the oldest location in Kamehameha Shopping Center. They serve breakfast all day and also have healthy options if you are trying to be cautious. I personally like their veggie benedict and chicken salad. Their servers are mostly those friendly aunt types who know how to take care of their customers.
However, there’s nothing that stands out about their food options. If you’re eating here it’s because you are probably seeking a menu that you can rely on and food that has grown on you. The servers are friendly but seem overworked or confused and I am often left waiting as I watch my meal sitting in the kitchen waiting to be transported over.

A double disappointment.
I had lunch at Kenny’s (at the Kam shopping center, in Kalihi…) today with a couple of buddies. We’re in our 40’s and 50’s … code: we remember the way Kenny’s WAS.
Disappointment #1 — «It was like watching an angel fall.» Tony Soprano
To see a local icon and landmark go from THE Kalihi hot-​spot, to a mediocre DIVE is heartbreaking. Maybe the lease is too high. Maybe the labor costs are crippling. Blame it on Obama. All I know is the old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be.
The service was marginal. The food was overpriced ($ 13.95 for a double cheeseburger), but passable. So why the 2 stars and not 3? Glad you asked.
Disappointment #2 — SCAM ALERT
This took a heartbreaking experience and turned it into an insulting, irritating one. Inserted into the menu (I’ll attach a picture) is a page offering the old Jolly Roger Drive-​Inn items. There is no mistake, to guys my age, gastro-​historical names like «Cheesy Gal», «Porky Boy» and «Teri Beef King» harken to a single, unalterable source point.
SCAM ALERT — these are NOT the same items. The Teri-​Beef King; no sautéed onions, no steamed bun, and a wad of veggies that had lost their way. The Cheesy-​Gal (I’ll attach a picture); did not have a drop of that amazing catsup/​mustard relish mixture. The Porky Boy, The Suzie-​Q … though all marginal to average sandwiches, are NOT the ones from Jolly Roger. Not even close.
You want to call it a Teri-​Beef Deluxe, you can try it. I’ll say you failed, but toss you a nickel for the effort. But if you’re trying to call that thing a Teri-​Beef King, I’m going to have to call you a liar.
Kenny’s. Shame on you. To play with our emotions, and tantalize us with the promise of cheese-​covered nostalgia, only to have our taste buds betrayed and slapped by your tepid, bland, fresh-​from the Costco freezer tasting «burgers»?
Boo. Boo, I say boo. You have disappointed me, insulted me and betrayed me all in one 30 minute lunch. And here I thought only Zippy’s could do that. A C– to D+ experience and it’ll be awhile, before you see my shadow cross those stained floor tiles again.

TITLE: THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF A PLACE CALLED KENNY’S RESTAURANT!
What happened to this place?
Kenny’s simply S-​U-​C-​K-​S!
Wut is up, Yo!
My last visit here was so un-​memorable that I forgot to write a review and simply forgot what I ordered! I know it was breakfast, so really you can’t go wrong, right? Well, I think it was pancakes, bacon & eggs and it was typically a’right, but dang-​it I can do it at home too. What really SUCKS is I ordered a hot cocoa (yes, grown-​up me sometimes orders kiddie stuff) and it came out… Cold! Nope, not tepid or even cool… I mean ARTIC C.O.L.D!
Plus, the service is beaten and it’s like a pain to them that you’re there! Really? Especially that Portuguese (I think) chubby lady with dated eyeglasses! She’s horrid! Ask a question and she’ll roll her eyes! Ewwwww so gross, her! AND it was early in the morning, so it was empty! Double Ewwwwwwwwww! Oh, and if you think I’m harsh… Go read my friends, Josie C. & Terry K. reviews. Sista go like beef! Whoa!
I hate doing this to a local landmark, but looking at the reviews I’m not the only one that feels this way! It’s definitely not the place it used to be. It’s deteriorating like yesterday’s bag of left-​overs. It is, what it is!
So, why did I come here or why would I come back? Ummm, my Uncle Gene loves this place and the tab is always on him anyway. Hey, I’ll never complain to the old geezer paying the tab. I’ll save it for a mindless Unilocal review. Oh, but next time I’ll try to convince him to treat us to the Original House of Pancakes, Like Like or even Flamingo’s (since he loves old school) before Kenny-​nots… But like I said he’s paying. Then again, «cold» hot cocoa?! WTF???
Btw– Kenny’s Restaurant is in NO WAY, shape or form, associated with the awesome Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo!
OVERALL GRADE: 2.0-STARS! (Bonus star for just being a local landmark!)
LIVE ALOHA…
Unilocal REVIEW #339

I AM DEFINITELY A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT!!! I should have my head examined!
Scenario: stop in to buy a chinese chicken salad to go; with the sugarfree dressing… no one at the front cashiering station. Only 12 – 15 patrons in the restaurant. Manager walking around, other wait and bus staff walking around.
5 minutes later I ask to place an order: another 5 minutes go by. Place my order and another 20 minutes go by. Where’s my salad I ask? (POLITELY) «Wait, maam, looking for one of the cooks…»… Wait… Wait… Wait… 10 more minutes go by… Okay, I’m done, please cancel my order (NOT POLITE at this point). «Don’t have to be so rude lady.» Just refund my money please I say. «wait, I need the manager to prepare the refund…» Give me my refund and I’m out of here, I say… Along comes the manager… «what’s the problem?» You are sir! And you call yourself a manager I say… Please give me my refund…
The sad part of this review is the founding father Fujieki must be turning in his grave knowing that his efforts in building a name for this restaurant has certainly lost its luster. This after the huge family fight over a great icon in the Kalihi area. I am sad for him.
For me= I’ve learned I must follow my own rules as it was «my bad» for breaking it that caused me to write such an awful review

They say you can’t go home again… So true when it comes to the Jolly Roger «menu».
When we heard that Kenny’s was offering the old style sandwiches/​burgers from Jolly Roger we headed down to try them. Ever since Jolly Roger Drive In closed we have been craving their Suze-​Q and Teri Beef King. (Jolly Roger used to be where the Kahala Zippys is now located.)
My husband ordered his fave, The Suze-​Q, a teri beef sandwich with a slice of cheese on top with fries and a pickle for $ 11.50. The sandwich was good, but there was so much sauce on the meat that it made the bun soggy and it’s almost impossible to eat with your hands. We had to ask for more napkins:
I just could not bring myself to pay $ 14.95 for a the TeriBeef King even if it did include fries. (Teri sandwich with onions, tomatoes & lettuce) So I ordered the Porky Boy. It was nothing like the original Porky Boy which was teriyaki pork, but instead Kalua Pork w/​teri sauce. They were generous with the Kalua pork which was smoky and tender, but there wasn’t very much teri sauce on it:
The Jolly Roger sandwiches are nothing like the old style sandwiches. They only thing they have in common are the names, but that’s about it. If you’re looking to recapture the taste then you’ll be sorely disappointed.
31 Unilocal Challenge: #20/​31