Of all of the places I’ve been in my life, Kaua’i stood out to me as the place that I never wanted to leave when I was visiting. Perhaps it is that it falls between the two places I’ve known my whole life, Japan and California. The way that Kaua’i has retained old school Japanese traditions and values is so amazing, from the Bon Dance to the respect for one’s elder’s, Kaua’i’s roots in this traditionalism and authenticity really spoke to me. The affinity I felt for the island led me to purchase the building, Japanese Grandma’s stands in now. It was the USO during WWII and was waiting to be brought to life with people having fun again! 

But why a Japanese restaurant in Hanapepe? While creating a vision for the project, I received a very slim phone book for the island, there were so many Japanese names in the book for the Westside but no Japanese Restaurants. My heart tugged at my memories of my father who passed over thirty years ago, he was a master chef, loved fishing and instilled in me my entrepreneurial spirit. He would have loved it here I honor our mutual love of food by sharing it with our community.

Why is it called Japanese Grandmas Café? My Hapa sons grew up calling my mom Japanese Grandma and it just seemed right to name the restaurant after her. I think most of us have fond food memories of our grandmas. 

Keiko Napier