Wow.  Just when I wrote an article yesterday about Crouching Lion Inn closing, another Hawaii business that’s been around for 25 years will be closing at the end of this year.  That business is the well known Patisserie at Kahala Mall.  They are making way for the mainland grocery store Whole Foods to move into that strip of stores that included what was once Star Market, Yen King (closed in October), Ginza Kimuraya Tokyo Bakery & Cafe (closed in August), as well as I Love Country Cafe, which will close their doors at the end of this year as well.

I guess it’s not as bad for I Love Country Cafe since they have a few restaurants around town, like the one by Ala Moana Center next to Blockbuster.  But for Patisserie, this is their only store on Oahu.  The owners are currently looking for another location, but you can’t guarantee finding a profitable place, especially since property tax and ground rent is rising, as reported in my John Dominis article I wrote back in October.

It wasn’t Patisserie’s idea to move, but it was actually MMI Reality Services, who manages Kahala Mall, that told them to move out by January 7 for Whole Foods to take up the entire 7000 square foot strip.  Yes, Patisserie was on a month to month lease, but they are a well known, well established, local business.  And now they are getting kicked out for a mainland grocery store.  True, Whole Foods is placing them in the right location, since their prices are more expensive and residents who live in the Kahala area are definitely able to afford it.  But forcing Patisserie to leave?  Now they have to find a new place for their home, with downtown Honolulu, Aina Haina, or Hawaii Kai in their minds (Source: Star Bulletin).

Kind of sucks for the loyal customers who have to wait until the owners of Patisserie relocate their business, which we all have no idea when that’ll be.  To to move it farther east might discourage some repeat customers to make the trip.

I understand we are trying to keep up with the mainland and bring their stores over here, but it’s also driving away local business owners.  Hopefully Patisserie reopens in a new location and is bigger and better.  We can only hope.

• Whole Foods Market to Open in Kahala Mall
• Star Market in Kahala Closing Tomorrow
• Whole Foods Opens Tomorrow in Kahala!

               
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