Located in the heart of the Coconut MarketPlace, Kapaa Town, TC’s stands strong. Every time I’ve passed by the place, it seems busy. That’s because it is — and workers have fun, too. Talking to owner Jan Taniguchi, is a
Located in the heart of the Coconut MarketPlace, Kapaa Town, TC’s stands strong. Every time I’ve passed by the place, it seems busy. That’s because it is — and workers have fun, too.
Talking to owner Jan Taniguchi, is a blast. Her workers played a little prank on her on a recent morning, or so she though, because “it’s what they do to me,” she said with a big smile and much love, while looking at her “girls.”
I felt the family atmosphere.
“We are very, very tight,” she said, “it’s a family thing.”
Former owner of Kimi (Jen) Christmas shop, which used to be next door, Jen and her late husband Thomas, who ran the restaurant, took over the former owner’s business.
Over 17 years standing strong, I say that the Tanaguchi family and now Jen and her TC family have turned the place into a success.
The T and C in the name stand for Jen’s late husband Thomas and daughter Cindy’s names.
A little bit of everything, could be the key. The restaurant serves sea food, burgers, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, keiki menu, local favorites such as saimin, loco moco, Kalua plate and Hawaiian combo. They also carry a variety of refreshments such as ice tea, sodas, coffee and tea. I had the ono taco: One fish, soft taco with mild salsa, salad and delicious papaya dressing. I have not eaten faster recently. It was truly tasty and a very large portion. Like the menu said: “Da moa biggah, da moa bettah!” In the case of my dish, I have to say that both quality and quantity were highly satisfying.
The restaurant tries to stay local with their purchases. As far as clientele goes, they get more tourists, I was told.
“When the movie theater in the MarketPlace was open, we got more locals,” Jen shared with me.
When I asked if she ever tries to prank back her staff, Jen laughed and said: “I try not to, but sometimes I do.”
The spark in her eye made me laugh myself, because it was clear that she was having fun with her TC ohana.
Every Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. you can enjoy a hula show in the square, while snacking on delicious food and sipping on a refreshing beverage. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
