Joyce and Richard Anglemyer agreed it was one of the most challenging business decisions of their lives. They have decided to close the Kukui Grove Center location of Zack’s Famous Frozen Yogurt & Cafe, and concentrate their efforts on the
Joyce and Richard Anglemyer agreed it was one of the most challenging business decisions of their lives.
They have decided to close the Kukui Grove Center location of Zack’s Famous Frozen Yogurt & Cafe, and concentrate their efforts on the Zack’s location in the Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli.
Wednesday, March 31 will be the last day of business at the Kukui Grove Zack’s.
“We tried to keep our prices at a level at which the local people of the community could afford, plus maintain a high standard for serving healthy foods and giving quality service,” Richard Anglemyer said.
“This will continue to be our aim at the Coconut Marketplace,” he said.
Richard Anglemyer said the tough decision was made easier by the realization that by downsizing from two stores to one, he and his wife could enjoy life a bit more on the beautiful island where they make their home.
The first Zack’s Famous Frozen Yogurt & Cafe opened on Kaua‘i in May of 1987, at Kiahuna Shopping Village in Po‘ipu (now Poipu Shopping Center), where the Anglemyers served up healthy desserts to locals and visitors alike.
In September of 1987, they opened a larger store in Lihu‘e, on Kuhio Highway across from Hilo Hattie. In 1990, the Lihu‘e store closed, and the Marketplace location opened.
Hurricane ‘Iniki’s arrival in September of 1992 did a number on a number of businesses, Zack’s included. The Anglemyers found themselves in a crowded boat of businesspeople who had no electricity, no water, insurance problems and structural damage.
The Kukui Grove Center faired very well in the hurricane, Richard Anglemyer recalled, and was the only place on the island conducting anything resembling regular business in the immediate aftermath of ‘Iniki.
The Anglemyers took a look at a Kukui Grove location that had previously been a yogurt shop, near center stage, and completed the necessary negotiations to open in mid-December of 1992.
At that time, in addition to yogurt, they decided to also offer other healthy foods, such as fresh salads, roast-beef sandwiches and a menu of baked-potato items as well as ice cream.
Not long after Zack’s was established at Kukui Grove, the former cook at Koke‘e Lodge came looking for a job. She had become well known for her Portuguese bean soup and cornbread at the lodge, so Mely’s Portuguese Soup and Cornbread Special came to Zack’s.
Mely is Mely Bisarra, still with the Kukui Grove location.
Joyce Anglemyer, who is fondly known as “Mrs. Zack,” developed a menu that continued to grow, making everything from scratch.
She also does all the cake decorating, and making the now-famous Original Hula Pie.
Espresso coffee and Kauai Coffee have been a part of their service, and Lisa Higa, who was in charge of the front of the store, has been greeting and serving customers at Kukui Grove for 16 years.
Both Higa and Bisarra have been offered positions at the Marketplace Zack’s.
All-natural yogurt and Hawai‘i-made ice cream will continue to be served up at the Marketplace, where special-occasion frozen yogurt and ice-cream cakes and the Original Hula Pie are also offered.
“Mrs. Zack” will also continue to make her brownies and liliko‘i pie. Special cake orders may be made by calling 822-2112.
The Anglemyers wanted to thank all of their loyal customers for their patronage at Kukui Grove, and hope they will visit them at the Marketplace location.
