Day 269: Teshima’s Restaurant, Kealakekua, Hawai’i
📌APIA Every Day (269) - Teshima’s Restaurant, founded in 1929 by Mary Shizuko Teshima as F. Teshima General Merchandise Store in Honalo, Hawaii, began by selling ice cream made from blocks shipped from Hilo, along with general merchandise. During World War II, the store expanded its offerings to include hamburgers for American servicemen and provided credit to local customers during challenging economic times.
In 1957, the original store was replaced with the current restaurant building on the Māmalahoa Highway. The menu underwent significant expansion in 1960 when a Japanese chef was hired, introducing signature dishes such as shrimp tempura. Over the years, the menu evolved to feature a blend of Japanese cuisine, including sukiyaki and sashimi, alongside Hawaiian-inspired dishes like fried ahi tuna and American favorites such as hamburgers and BLTs. The restaurant has long sourced much of its fish from local fishermen, strengthening its ties to the surrounding community and local economy.
The two-story building has served dual purposes since its construction. The ground floor became the restaurant space, while the second floor was used as a meeting place for local organizations such as the Rotary and Lions Clubs, further embedding the restaurant within the social fabric of the area. Mary Teshima managed the restaurant until her passing in 2013 at the age of 106, at which point her descendants took over the business, continuing her legacy.
Teshima’s Restaurant has faced several challenges over the years, including a brief period in the 1970s when it was leased to outside management. Despite this, it has remained a vital institution in the community. In 2022, in recognition of its historical significance, the restaurant received a $40,000 grant from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. The grant funded exterior renovations, including the restoration of vintage signage and the addition of outdoor seating areas, helping to preserve the restaurant’s historical appearance. Today, Teshima’s Restaurant continues to operate at its original location next to the Daifukuji Soto Mission, maintaining its longstanding menu and business model while contributing to the preservation of local history and culture.
LEARN MORE:
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Teshima Restaurant Aims for the Century Mark
Kona Historical Society: Happy 106th Birthday, Mrs. Teshima!
Honolulu Magazine: Teshima Restaurant
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