Aloha KBAT FANS,
I hope you are staying healthy and safe. It has been so encouraging to hear that folks on the Big Island, making personal and financial sacrifice, are doing their part! It’s working…we have now had several days of ZERO active cases. I also wanted to take this opportunity to THANK YOU all again for your kind words and support. Our recent T-Shirt fundraiser, hosted by Custom Ink, raised over $1,500. MAHALO!
We recently received our PPP funding…this is a SBA Loan with lots of strings attached! We are going to do our part and get some of our staff back to work. We will also be working to decipher the conditions set forward in the “program”. Although the funding provides much needed immediate relief it could pose a longer term operating liability. The Kohala Burger situation is one that is playing out all over the country, the SBA is asking business to spend the money even before such states, counties, and even some types of businesses are “open”.
Despite these conflicts we continue to lead, We are expanding and improving our operations. In the past several days, as April numbers are released, we have seen record price increases to our grocery bills (mostly owned, operated and manipulated by giant corporations). Since we had virtually eliminated staff and now have “temporary relief” we have lowered ours! We have been saying all along that a visit to KBAT is safer and better value than the local grocer. Our crew has implemented recommended guidelines for safety. We have closed all dine-in areas, set strict guidance and floor markings for social distance, KBAT Crew are wearing masks in service and food prep. We are also currently requiring guests to wear masks. Gloves have always been in use for food prep crew and now are in use for service staff. We have installed no-touch hand sanitizer stations at both entrances. We offer Zero Contact Payment and pick-up solutions. Better value, safer conditions, way less people, owned and operated by folks who live here in Kohala. Our beef, bread, tortillas, fish and many veggies come from folks who live and work right here on the Big Island…please think about who you are actually supporting next time you eat.
Please consider this yet another cry for help…we still need your support! A few “tid-bits” under our current situation our sales have leveled off at around 26% of our normal expected sales this time of year. After paying the for the cost of goods and labor (this doesn’t even inlude me) required to produce the 26% we are left with not even enough money to cover rent, insurance and utilities. That’s where things are at.
We are making it easier for you to EAT at KBAT! -Effective Friday May 15th, 2020 we plan on opening 6 days per week. We will be open from 9:30am - 5:30pm: Monday - Saturday (Closed Sundays). We will be offering our “Drop in…and Bail Out” Burgers, Fries & Frosties Fast - Service from Surf Burger 9:30am - 3:30pm. Our walk-in, telephone and daily specials menus will be offered at Kohala Burger & Taco from 11:30am- 5:30pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Please stay tuned for our new expanded Tiki Tuesday Menu with $5.99 Tiki Burgers and Tropical Treats AND the return of Magic Monday featuring $5.99 OG Magic Burgers and Mind Melting $3.99 Shakes and Cool Treats. We dare you to compare our prices, speed of service, quality and values to any other meal you are going to eat.
Please share this post…it’s almost as good as a visit!
Mahalo
Chef Cary