Bob’s Big Bear is now open in the former Sizzler space at Waipahu Town Center. (Courtesy image)
BY NINA WU / nwu@staradvertiser.com
Bob’s is back!
Bob’s Big Boy Hawaii, a popular Mapunapuna eatery that closed down after a 34-year run due to fire in April 2009, recently reopened with a new name and location.
Bob’s Big Bear Diner is at Waipahu Town Center, with the same menu favorites, many of the former employees of the original restaurant and a much larger space.
“We’ve been looking for a suitable location and now we’re happy that we were able to open in Waipahu,” said owner Joe Hu. “A lot of our workers live (in Waiaphu) and so it’s convenient for them. We’d love to have an opportunity to serve all our loyal customers, and hopefully, make new ones, as well.”
Bob’s Big Bear Diner will serve “all of our favorites” from the Mapunapuna restaurant, Hu said. That includes the Blockbuster Breakfast (eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, hash browns), hot fudge cake, strawberry pie and the Sumo Bear Burger, which is made with a pound of beef and celebrates those who finish their meal with a photo that gets added to the restaurant’s wall of fame.
Customers can still find pork adobo, hamburger steak and chicken katsu plate lunches along with burgers, homemade chili and saimin. The new restaurant also has a broiler that will allow Bob’s to introduce lamb chops, New York steak and more.
The new space seats more than 200 customers, with a separate party room available for rent soon. A grand opening is planned from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, with appearances by comedian Frank De Lima and radio personality Bart DaSilva. Bob’s will also offer a classic cheeseburger, fries and Coke ice cream float for $10.79, plus lots of prizes and giveaways.
Bob’s Big Bear Diner
94-030 Farrington Highway
(808) 676-3440
www.hibigbear.com
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily