John Fujieki Sr., Star Markets chairman, dead at 84
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
John Fujieki Sr., who helped build the family-owned Star Markets into a successful food store chain as its president, chairman and chief executive officer, died Monday in Honolulu. He was 84.
Fujieki was born in Honolulu on Jan. 18, 1917 and was the son of immigrants from Japan. His parents, Tsunejiro and Mika Fujieki, started a mom-and-pop store in 1929 called the Kaka'ako Meat Market.
John Fujieki Sr. expanded a family meat market into a statewide chain of 10 Star Markets.
With the help of his brothers, John Fujieki expanded the market into a general grocery store. The business grew to include four small stores after World War II, and in 1954 the first Star Super Market was opened in Moili'ili.
Fujieki became president of the company and under his guidance, Star grew. The chain now has 10 stores on O'ahu, Maui and Kaua'i, and 800 employees.
Although he was a successful businessman, friends say Fujieki never forgot his humble beginnings.
"He helped the underdog for a long time to get started," said longtime friend Ray Sabanal. "He showed us that with hard work and good planning that you can be successful. You don't have to have the degrees in everything to be successful."
Sabanal, sales and marketing director for Hawai'i Baking Co., said Fujieki took care of his customers, employees and clients.
"He used to take the time out to always thank us for taking care of Star," Sabanal said. "Even though he was a CEO, he was always there taking care of all the people who supported the super market."
Fujieki's son, John Jr., is the chief operating officer of Star Market.
In addition to the supermarket chain, Fujieki also was instrumental in the success of Kenny's Burgerhouse and Kenny's Coffeehouse in Kalihi.
Fujieki was active in the community and served on the board of Kuakini Health Systems. The Fujieki Family Foundation Fund also was founded to support Kuakini Health Systems, the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific and the American Diabetes Association of Hawai'i.
Fujieki is survived by his wife, Ethel; son, John Jr.; daughters, Linda Matsunaga and Cheryl Kayano; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Donations can be made to the Star Markets and the Fujieki Family foundations, Kuakini Foundation, or the American Diabetes Association of Hawai'i.
