Grill N’ Eats specializes in smashburgers with ube buns

The family-owned and -operated business officially launched last December. It specializes in smashburgers, which feature double patties and the business’s signature ube brioche buns.

KSB
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

February 04, 20262 min read

Grill Nʻ Eats business owners
Business co-owners Joshua Dein Pagtama and Clarence Coloma. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The idea behind family-owned and -operated business Grill N’ Eats came from a desire to take the classic burger experience and elevate, according to founder and executive chef Clarence Coloma. He runs Grill N’ Eats with his business partner, Joshua Dein Pagtama.

“The inspiration for Grill N’ Eats comes from a lifelong dream to bring high-level culinary techniques to the local community in a fun, approachable way,” Coloma says. “This led to our signature creation: unique ube bun smashburgers.”

“We decided on the name ‘Grill N’ Eats’ because we wanted something that was straight to the point and welcoming,” adds Joshua Dein Pagtama. “It captures the heart of what we do: firing up the grill to create delicious, chef-crafted meals that bring people together. Whether you find us at a pop-up or at our future restaurant, the name represents our promise of quality food and great company.”

Grill N' Eats booth
Customers can find Grill N’ Eats at various events across Oʻahu. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Grill ‘N Eats officially launched last December at a pop-up event at Ka Makana Aliʻi. The business currently offers smashburgers in five flavors — the original ($17), bacon and mushroom ($19), Aloha teri ($18), banh mi ($18) and barbecue pulled pork sandwich ($17).

The bacon and mushroom smashburger is the most popular option. It features a double patty with bacon, grilled mushrooms, white onions and cheddar cheese with garlic Parmesan aioli between ube brioche buns.

bacon and mushroom burger
Bacon-mushroom smashburger ($19). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

If you want something unique, go for the banh mi smashburger ($18), which features a double patty topped with grilled white onions, cheddar cheese, pickled carrot and radish, cilantro and spicy honey Sriracha aioli on an ube brioche bun.

banh mi and Aloha teri smashburgers
Banh mi and Aloha teri smashburgers ($18 each). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Meanwhile, the Aloha teri smashburger ($18) is a mix of sweet and savory, as it includes grilled white onions, cheddar cheese and pineapple atop a double patty.

calamansi juice
Calamansi juice ($5). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Customers can upgrade any burger to a combo for an additional $5. Combos include a side of fries and the business’s refreshing calamansi juice.

Stay tuned for updates by following the business on social media.

“We are actively working on expanding into our first brick-and-mortar restaurant location,” Coloma says. “Our business is built on a foundation of deep expertise and dedication. I bring 18 years of experience as a professional chef, while my co-founder, Joshua, brings the discipline and leadership of a U.S. Army veteran. We are supported by our incredible spouses, Emirose Coloma and Enerisa Pagtama, making this a true family team.”

CONTACT
Grill N’ Eats
Various locations
Instagram: @grillneats

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.

Share this article

Authors

KSB

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining Reporter

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta is a Food & Dining Reporter for Aloha State Daily.