Genki Buffet

[2liveque]

Subway has got to be the worst example of glove wearing food workers. They touch your sandwich items, they open the bread oven, they open and close the microwave oven, they grab that tray thing they use to toast sandwiches, they open drawers...all with their "sanitary" gloves on.

Still want that toasted?

[jackson]

It was often hard to get a table when it was a Mexican Restaurant. The food and service was great and the space never looked better.

[SBH]

My uncle got very sick for 5 days after eating at this new Genki Buffet. Couldn't pay me to eat there.

[randomq]

We tried the buffet, the food quality was lower than your average steam table around here. Though I can't say anything nice for lemongrass either, their pad thai is about as complex as a package of ramen noodles.

I'd go for a nice mexican restaurant like Lucy's, a wrap place like chipotle/wikifresh or any restaurant with a decent salad bar option.

[ElysianWort]

I've been brainstorming for years about what should open up in that spot. Another Asian restaurant certainly never crossed my mind. I don't want to see businesses go belly up but that spot has a reputation as business failure location. Personally I'd be happy if Keaau Naturals expanded there and set up some buffet/ restaurant of healthy foods along with groceries. A health-food store/diner/internet cafe? Maybe someone could give Island Naturals a run for its money and improve on that theme. Maybe... maybe that place shouldn't be any type of food store. A mini theater? Paintball adventure? How about a split business? A singles bar by night and something else by day? Oh wait... PVC in Pahoa used to try that and flopped. Bar at night, fish market at day. hmmm....

[kalakoa]

that spot has a reputation as business failure location

I've heard that the owner charges "mainland corporate" rent, which might have something to do with it. Maybe we can get a Subway or a Taco Bell.

[macuu222]

Popeyes Chicken! [:p]

[randomq]

O'Charley's. Except they'd have to charge by the yeast roll.

And then the Thai restaurant across the street could be turned into a TGI Fridays. As is tradition.

[Carey]

Spoonfuls (the place across the street) is one of 2 venues in Keaau that actually owns their building (McDs is the other), leasing only the land...so I won't hold my breath for it to change anytime soon...

& I really like Spoonfuls... good service, nice & clean decor, very fair pricing, using fresh vegetables & good quality ingredients.

[kalakoa]

Spoonfuls... good quality ingredients.

Got undercooked chicken once, never went back.