Posted on: Sunday, December 11, 2005
BACKPAGE STORY
To-go holiday platters offer convenience
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| Roger Higa, Vilma Piso, Mildred Guieb and Ylynne Grace Abayon, from left, will be busy preparing their popular to-go party platters and selling gift certificates during Christmas and New Year's.
Photo by Randy T. Fujimori Zippy's Where: 23 locations throughout the Island Hours: Open daily; most are opend 24 hours a day Web site: zippys.com Note: New specialty sushi platters are now available at the Kahala and Pearl City Sushi Bars. Choose from the take platter ($90), matsu ($60), ume ($50) and maki combo ($40). Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. Buy a $50 holiday gift book and receive an extra $5 coupon for free. Zippy's Logo Shop is located at 1765 S. King St. |
"That's our newest platter," said Zippy's McCully manager Roger Higa, pointing to the plump mandoo and crispy chicken. "We're always trying something new so our customers don't get bored."
It's difficult to imagine, though, that Island residents would ever tire of Zippy's bucket of fried chicken, bentos and, of course, its famous original chili.
During its 39 years, Zippy's has attained a level of success that few restaurants ever achieve. It has grown to 23 locations and has become a household name known for its catchy "Make your next stop" commercials.
So it's no surprise that during the holiday season, kamaaina WILL "make their next stop" at Zippy's for local-style comfort food that they can share with family and friends.
"They always tell me to bring the pupu platter," laughed Nelson Miyasato, who shares management duties with Higa at this McCully location. "They tell me to bring the one with the Portuguese sausage and beef teriyaki or the one with plenty sushi."
Because they're convenient and affordable, these platters fly out the door during the holiday season, according to Higa.
"People are always picking them up for tailgate parties, family get-togethers and office parties," he said. "And our pupu platter #1 ($20.70) — complete with hot dogs, Portuguese sausage, mahi mahi, beef teriyaki and chicken katsu — is by far the best seller."
However, this may change once residents try the mandoo-and-fried-chicken platter ($20.75), which Higa said has received a lot of positive feedback from customers.
Already well-received are the chicken katsu platter ($16.90) and the sushi platters, which come in small ($20.15), medium ($29.95) and large ($40.25) sizes. (Sushi orders should be placed at least 48 hours in advance, while other platters can be ready for pick-up within an hour.)
From Dec. 23 through 26, Zippy's dine-in restaurants will feature holiday specials, including roast turkey plates ($8.60 dine-in or $7.10 at the fast-food counter), baked ham with rum-raisin sauce ($7.75/$6.25) and a combination of the two ($9.90).
Stuffed salmon ($10.65) and Zippy's regular a la carte menu will be available during these days, as well.
"Get ready, set, go," Miyasato said. "That's what I tell my staff during this time of the year. It's non-stop until New Year's Day when we're closed."
