Seed Restaurant in Kaimuki Celebrates Its Grand Re-Opening

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Kaimuki, Hawaii
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Seed Restaurant in Kaimuki Celebrates Its Grand Re-Opening
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Seed Restaurant in Kaimuki Celebrates Its Grand Re-Opening

Seed Restaurant in Kaimuki, has been temporarily closed for a little over two months for equipment upgrades and renovations after operating for a year, has
re-opened its doors with an upgraded menu of healthy lunch and dinner selections. The restaurant, located at 1137 11^th Avenue, celebrates its grand re-opening on Friday, May 22. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Mondays.

Seed is no ordinary restaurant. It is a "justice enterprise," providing rehabilitative employment to survivors of sex trafficking, homelessness and incarceration. The restaurant has enjoyed a successful track record of changing lives around, while also delivering quality meals and service for customers.

"In our first year of operation, about half of those who received training and start-up employment at Seed moved on to stable, full-time employment with other local businesses," said Julie Olson, Seed's general manager. "We're asking some of them to return as Seed enters a new, exciting chapter."

Seed is a ministry of Bluewater Mission, a church that meets at Palama Settlement. It conducted a crowdsourcing campaign to cover the cost of the upgrades, and more than $80,000 was raised in 30 days. In addition, one donor has offered to match donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

The funds were used to purchase new equipment, including an industrial kitchen steamer, three new refrigeration units, and a suite of juice blenders. The restaurant also overhauled its stove and oven, redesigned its leased space, and installed soundproofing to the ceiling and walls.

"We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community," Olson said. "We believe the justice enterprise strikes a chord in the hearts of people because we are doing much more than serving great food; we're also helping at-risk individuals off the street and giving them a second chance to start a new life."

During the renovation period, Seed also looked at ways to streamline its operations, enhance its training program to better serve customers and employees, and upgrade its menu with fresher, locally sourced foods.

Seed's chef, David Kiernan, has traveled the world catering to rock bands, and has developed a new menu.

Appetizers include steamed clams, Brussels sprouts, and cucumber sushi with cream cheese, all served with Seed's signature sauces such garlic confit.

Lunch entrees include wraps, grilled pitas, salads and sandwiches such as Big Island burgers, Kalua pork sliders and blackened Portobello tofu. Dinner includes Big Island Filet Mignon, topped with balsamic vinegar with grilled tomato and compound butter; fresh catch of the day, bi bim bowls with cubed beef, chicken, tofu or fresh catch, and more.

Families will also enjoy a keiki menu, and the assorted sorbets and flavored crème brulee for dessert.

For more information, call the restaurant at (808) 732-1137 or visit seedhawaii.com.

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item