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Ward Centers Welcomes New Merchants This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/21/09 – This summer, Ward Centers is welcoming four new merchants to its family of more than 135 shops and eateries.  In early July, Haili’s Hawaiian Foods opened its new lunchwagon concept, Haili’s Backyard Luau, in the parking lot across Ward Entertainment Center.  Happy Haleiwa, a new apparel and accessories store, and popular Mexican eatery, Taco Del Mar, also opened in July.  In August, fine Koa wood furniture maker and retailer Martin & MacArthur will open its flagship store at Ward Centre.

Martin & MacArthur – On August 8, Martin & MacArthur will open its flagship store at Ward Centre next to Kaka‘ako Kitchen on the corner of Auahi and Kamakee Street.  Martin & MacArthur’s new store will feature newly designed Koa wood pieces inspired by furniture owned by Hawaiian Monarchs and original Hawaiian artifacts, including handwritten letters by King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani, feather kāhili and lei, and original Webber engravings of Captain Cook’s voyages.  The store will offer its wide assortment of handcrafted Koa jewelry boxes, bowls, and home accessories, as well as sterling silver and red coral jewelry and ceramics made by local artists.

Happy Haleiwa – Happy Haleiwa opened in early July and offers women’s apparel and accessories, including bags and specialty gift items.  Popular t-shirt designs will soon be available in keiki sizes as well.  The store occupies the space formerly held by EcoSystems in Ward Warehouse.

Haili’s Backyard Luau – Also in early July, Haili’s Hawaiian Foods opened its convenient lunchwagon located in the open-air parking lot across Ward Entertainment Center.  The lunchwagon, branded as Haili’s Backyard Luau, serves old Haili’s favorites as well as new menu items, including fish, steak and kalua pig wraps, Haili’s Hot Dog with pineapple and kim chee, and a grilled banana with ice cream and chocolate sauce dessert.  Haili’s Backyard Luau’s hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed on Tuesday.  Some shaded outdoor seating is available.  Haili’s Hawaiian Foods will continue its retail and catering service from its warehouse located mauka of Ward Farmers Market in Building 2, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

Taco Del Mar – Taco Del Mar opened in mid-July and offers fresh, fast and affordable Baja-style Mexican food.  The popular chain offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a catering and kids menu, and has been recognized as one of the healthiest fast food options by several major national health magazines.  Taco Del Mar opened its new streetfront location at Ward Centre on July 16, 2009.

In addition to these four new merchants, Pa‘ina Café opened at Ward Warehouse in March.  The casual café offers fresh gourmet salads, sandwiches, soup, make-your-own poke bowls, healthy plate lunches, fruit bowls, and smoothies.

“We are delighted to have these new merchants added to our diverse mix of stores and eateries,” said Diane Bruce, marketing manager, Ward Centers.  “We are especially pleased to see the number of locally-owned businesses grow at Ward.”

For more information about the shops and restaurants at Ward Centers, visit www.WardCenters.com.