Coffees of Hawaii Closes Espresso Bar

Coffees of Hawaii News Release

Coffees of Hawaii, LLC (COH), based in Kualapu`u, Molokai, will be winding down its food and beverage services at its Kualapu`u Plantation Espresso Bar beginning Oct.1. The Molokai airport location will remain open seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will continue to serve their famous Mocha Mamas at the airport. The Blue Monkey Gift Shop at the COH Plantation will remain open and will continue to sell the COH retail coffee brands. Na Ohana Ho Aloha will also continue to play every Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Plantation.
COH is looking for an operator interested in leasing the space long term, who will keep the venue open for visitors and most importantly, the Molokai community. “This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a barista career and preparing and serving fresh food” said Maria Holmes, Operation Manager.
The venue is new, clean and spacious. The lease will be turnkey, complete with most of the service equipment. A certified prep kitchen is located in the back of the espresso bar and the newly expanded deck comes complete with a sound system for entertainment. We are accepting written proposals only for the space; please email maria@coffeesofhawaii.com.
The current owners purchased the plantation in 2004. They’ve made a considerable investment in capital improvements to the entire facility and farming operations. The recent deck and kitchen expansion in late 2008 was built in hopes of obtaining a liquor license and being able to further expand their food and beverage services. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass.
COH will now focus all its attention on the core of its business; growing and selling quality, 100 percent Hawaiian grown coffee. Seven staff members will be laid off effective Oct. 1. “This was a very difficult decision to make but the recent downturn in the economy and lacks of visitors to the island have left us no alternative,” said Holmes.
Daily tours will no longer be available at the plantation.
COH is expanding its service to the community in new ways by partnering with Molokai Arts Center, Inc. (MAC) to provide space for art classes, youth programs, studio and gallery space for all Molokai residents and visitors. MAC has raised $40,000 in grants, donations, and fundraisers for construction of the new arts center, including generous in-kind contributions from COH. MAC is now embarking on its second capital campaign for $40,000 for furniture, shelving and specialized art equipment and expects to open in early 2012.
The coffee harvest will begin in late October and wrap up in early March 2012. COH is anticipating a higher coffee yield this season. COH is currently constructing a new coffee drying facility within the base yard at the plantation. This facility, and its significant capital investment, will increase the efficiency and quality of its drying operations.
All farm related employees will be retained, including the roasting room, administration and sales staff.