Anniversary celebrations continue for two Hawai‘i institutions.
Zippy's Restaurants, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, and Hawaiian Island Creations, which marks its 55th, are collaborating on a new summer collection that celebrates the Surf Pac, surfing and the "long-standing relationship between the two."
A collaboration T-shirt, available in navy, black and celadon blue; microfiber towel with a double-sided design; and decal will be available at zippys.com starting May 15 and on hicsurf.com and in-store at all HIC locations on May 22, Zippy's said in an announcement Monday.
According to the announcement, the items were designed by HIC and inspired by Zippy's Surf Pac and brand design from the early 1990s, featuring Zippy's "Moki Boy" character.
You'll be able to grab a shirt for $27, towel for $42 and decal for $3.50.
"At Zippy’s, supporting local isn’t just about sourcing from the farmers and growers who help bring our dishes to life — it’s a value that extends into everything we do. From the ingredients in our kitchens to the nonprofits, brands and businesses we collaborate with, we try to be intentional about working with partners who share our love for Hawai‘i," Jessica Yamamoto, communications and social media manager for Zippy's, told Aloha State Daily in an email. "Whether it’s through merchandise collaborations or community initiatives, these partnerships allow us to celebrate local creativity, culture, and connection in meaningful ways."
Yamamoto says that in 1989, Zippy's and HIC saw the chance to "celebrate their shared love for the sport of surfing and the communities they serve" through the HIC Surf Meet, a high school surf competition of the 1990s.
And with both brands celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, "it felt like a natural and meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to the history between both beloved brands," she says. "The collaboration allowed us to honor our shared heritage, celebrate the iconic Surf Pac and the sport of surfing, and pay tribute to the connection both brands have had with generations of surf enthusiasts."
Zippy's also will bring the Surf Pac and Surf Pac Deluxe back to its menu through May 31. The Surf Pac — first introduced to the chain's menu in 1989 to celebrate surfing and the HIC Surf Meet — includes two pieces of teriyaki beef, two pieces of fried chicken and a slice of Spam on a bed of rice, while the Surf Pac Deluxe includes all that plus a scoop of chili and mac salad, the menu notes.
Brothers Francis and Charles Higa opened the first Zippy's Restaurant in Honolulu's McCully neighborhood in 1966. Today, Zippy's has 26 locations on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island and in Las Vegas. It's set to open its fifth Las Vegas location later this month.
HIC was founded in 1971 by brothers Stephen and Jimmy Tsukayama as a small surf shop in Kailua. Today, the retailer has 17 stores across three islands.
(And ICYMI: Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's parent company, FCH Enterprises, and Francis' son, spoke with Aloha State Daily earlier this year about the restaurant's origins, legacy and more. You can read that story here).
Zippy's, which will honor its anniversary throughout the year, kicked off its celebration earlier this year with the launch of a new line of 60th anniversary merch.
The restaurant last month unveiled an exclusive aloha shirt in collaboration with Kahala and partnered with Diamond Bakery to create a limited release, specially marked box of Original Hawaiian Soda Crackers.
"The response to our collaborations this year has been incredibly positive," Yamamoto told ASD. "We’ve seen strong engagement from our community and guests, and the feedback reinforces how much our guests value collaborations that celebrate local culture, nostalgia and creativity. It’s been rewarding to see how these partnerships resonate and create excitement among longtime fans and new audiences alike."
FYI: Zippy's annual Mahalo May campaign is underway. This year, a portion of proceeds from the sales of the Kokua Pac will donated to Special Olympics Hawai‘i.
The Kokua Pac cost $10.75 at takeout and includes Korean friend chicken, Portuguese sausage, half of a red hotdog and a slice of Spam on a bed of white rice. Diners can also round up their purchase to donate to the organization.
The Kokua Pac and round-up donations will be available at all Zippy's locations in Hawai‘i through May 31.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
