Like Like Drive Inn, a longtime local favorite, will close on April 30 after 67 years in business.
KHON reported Thursday evening that the eatery is closing due to business challenges related to the coronavirus.
Like Like Drive Inn closed its dining room on March 19 when Mayor Kirk Caldwell ordered restaurants to temporarily suspend dine-in service. Like Like offered takeout and delivery for a while, but on April 1, it announced on its social media accounts that it would close temporarily “with consideration to the health and safety of our friends, family and staff.”
The Keeaumoku Street restaurant indicated in the announcement that it planned to reopen in the future. But according to KHON, it decided to close for good following the extension of the lockdown.
Husband and wife James and Alice Nako opened Like Like Drive Inn in 1953, and it’s been family-run ever since, with the Nakos’ granddaughter, Julie Tateyama, serving as the current owner. Over the years, the restaurant has become a hotspot particularly known for local favorites like saimin and hamburger steak.