After more than two decades of serving Hawaiian-style barbecue and island-inspired food in Federal Way, Pac Island Grill plans to close its restaurant at the end of September.
The family-owned restaurant announced the decision on Facebook, saying its lease is ending after 21 years at its Federal Way location.
The closure will mark the end of an era for a restaurant that built a following with plate lunches, barbecue and a distinctly local take on the flavors of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
“We want to share our heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Way community and all of our Ohana throughout the Puget Sound who have supported us over the years,” the restaurant said in its announcement.
But Pac Island Grill isn’t disappearing entirely.
The business plans to shift its focus to catering, party platters, festivals and other events. The owners also said customers should watch for the Pac Island minisubi mobile at future pop-ups and follow the restaurant’s Facebook page for updates.
The restaurant, which has operated since 2005, has described itself as a family-owned and operated business serving Hawaiian barbecue and Asian fusion. Its menu has included slow-smoked Kalua pork, fire-grilled Loli-Loli chicken, pork lau lau, ahi poke and crispy coconut prawns.
Live island-style music on select weekends was also part of the restaurant’s appeal, helping create an atmosphere that customers associated with a visit to Hawaii.
The announcement quickly drew an emotional response from longtime customers, many of whom shared memories of celebrations, family meals and special events.
One customer posted on Facebook, recalling that Pac Island Grill catered her wedding 14 years ago and had continued providing party platters for an annual anniversary luau.
Another customer said the restaurant had become a place where she felt almost as if she were back in Hawaii. She mentioned the food, atmosphere and live music, including occasions when an uncle joined the band with his ukulele.
“A Hui Hou!!” the owners wrote in their announcement—a Hawaiian expression meaning “until we meet again.”
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