Big City Diner at Windward Mall said aloha to the Kāneʻohe community on Oct. 31, shuttering that location after 11 years citing cost to operate.
Following the closure, the business launched an online auction via Caring Transitions of Honolulu (CTBids), which will run now until Thursday, Nov. 5. Individual items will close for bidding at different times throughout the evening, starting at 7 p.m.
Local pickup is preferred for highest bidders from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and by appointment on Sunday, Nov. 8, per CTBids President Steve Tokita. Shipping is available at buyer’s expense on some of the items, he says.
Nearly 130 items are listed for this auction including big screen TVs and commercial appliances such as chef bases, stainless steel shelving, a commercial conveyor dishwasher, as well as furniture such as booths, pedestal tables, bar stools and chairs.
Notably, it features décor and memorabilia including framed vintage photos of Hawai'i from the Bishop Museum Archives and signed local sporting event photos and newspaper clippings, collectible breweriana mirrors, Coca-Cola Tiffany style lighting, and more.
Big City Diner locations on Oʻahu at Kailua Town Center, Pearlridge East and Waipio Shopping Center remain open. Former employees at Windward Mall who decided to stay with the company were able to relocate, according to KITV.
Big City Diner’s president and owner, Lane Muraoka, could not be immediately reached Monday.
Tokita told Aloha State Daily that some of the photos depict “Old Hawaiʻi,” and pay tribute to past Big City Diner locations spanning from Wakīkī to Ward.
“There’s also one with a view from ʻAiea/the Pearlridge location, overlooking old Pearl Harbor,” he added.
With CTBids on site at the Windward Mall space this week, Tokita says “lots of people have been stopping by and sharing their memories of the restaurant here.”
He anticipates adding some more items to the auction soon.
According to its website, CTBids offers professional relocation services including downsizing, decluttering and estate sales on Oʻahu.
“It’s a busy time of year; I think we’re booked out until December,” he told ASD. “We’re always looking to hire as we expand.”
Those interested in joining the team at CTBids can call 808-369-9195.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
