Longtime seafood restaurant John Dominis is being sold to a Japan-based investor Ocean Investments LLC according to the Honolulu Advertiser. Once the restaurant is sold, owner D.G. Anderson says that he will include in the sale that he will have the provision to continue the restaurant with its adjacent wedding and meeting rooms for the next 18 months.
So why is this, from what I heard, great seafood restaurant getting sold? According to Anderson, the location is in need of redevelopment. And with Kakaako getting newer stores and condominiums, the old 254 seat restaurant is showing its age. Along with the expensive ground rent and high property taxes, the restaurant is not making enough money to pay its bills. Back when the rent and property taxes were cheaper (the restaurant was founded in 1979), the largerestaurant could hold its own, but with the rising costs, a restaurant that size won’t be able to hold its own anymore.
There has been no plans for what Ocean Investments is going do to with the redevelopment. According to Anderson though, Ocean Investments will bring a new energy to the area, and add to Kakaako’s ever expanding future.
Tags: Restaurant News
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This is really unfortunate since I love this restaurant. Best poke on Oahu by far! I just love their sea food dishes… If you have not been there, make sure you dine there before they are gone.