The concept of Hapa’s is largely inspired by the childhood of one of our founding partners:
George Ah Chin.
Having grown up in Hilo on a plantation, he was raised in a community that boasted many different cultures. He has memories of early breakfasts with his Auntie who shared her Japanese heritage through the food she lovingly made for him. He learned to cook from his grandfather who was Chinese and Italian, and was also the head chef for the plantation where they lived.
He would spend many an afternoon playing at his friends’ homes in the neighborhood where he would enjoy meals with their families and experience their own respective traditions.
Growing up in Hawaii meant growing up alongside kids from many different walks of life and many varying customs and traditions. The thing that bonded them together was a spirit of Aloha, something that made people, despite their differences, one big Ohana.
It’s that spirit that initially struck us when we first met George, and it was that spirit that led him to sharing his own home cuisine with us, even before he officially joined Sweet T’s!
Food is used as a love language, one that bridges connection, and it was the one that brought us together as friends, then coworkers, and now business partners.
The similarities between traditional Hawaiian food and Southern food are also fascinating; with colloquial counterparts like kalua pork and bbq pulled pork, huli huli chicken and smoked chicken, and even the importance of seafood in both culinary stylings. Even the Aloha Spirit shares a lot in common with Southern Hospitality: a deep conviction that kindness to guests and an open table is a way of life.
Hapa’s in many ways feels like a natural progression in our collective story. It is the culmination of over a decade of friendship, love, good food, and ohana— a restaurant that is sure to be a beautiful meeting place for our communities to make memories together.
Where are we in the process?
Currently, we are in the permitting process!
We’ve taken great care to surround ourselves with the right people to make this restaurant a new iconic spot in Sonoma County, and an amazing experience for our future guests!
We are still accepting investors, so if you’re interested in partnering with us or know someone who might be interested, click here.
We appreciate y’all’s patience, and are looking forward to welcoming you into the Hapa’s family!
Location
Larkfield-Wikiup
4618 Old Redwood HWY
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Contact
(707) 322-2850
info@hapasmainland.com
