Taco Del Mar opened its first location on the Big Island with its new restaurant located at 74-4038 Hulikoa Drive on the Queen K Highway.
The new Big Island location, at the Matsuyama Center, is the ninth restaurant in the state for the franchise.
Marnie and I were fortunate to meet Larry and Claudia Elmore, partners in the venture, during the build-out phase, and are excited to welcome Taco Del Mar! The food is awesome (try the Mondo Burrito!) and the atmosphere is very pleasing.
Larry was kind enough to be a part of our first internet TV show "In The Trenches" and we learned a lot from Larry about business, and the enthusiasm he and his partners have in bringing Taco Del Mar to the Big Island.

In our interview with Larry, we learned that his store is doing very well (the top store franchise-wide,) and he looks forward to opening his next store in Kona Commons this year. He and his partners are also opening a store in Hilo, and have plans to open additional stores on the Big Island.

In our interview (watch the video- click here for "In The Trenches - Taco Del Mar") we learned many great marketing tips and business tips from Larry. His commitment to success is obvious, and it was very exciting to learn what it takes to open a world-class business (yes, even during an economically-challanging time! Thanks Larry and Claudia! We'll be by soon for more great food!  -Chris

THAT'S A RAP!

Last week marked the "Grand Finale" of an incredible reading program that visited the Big Island for the past few months.
Bringing his program , Read Aloud America, to Waikoloa Elementary, Jed Gaines shared is passion and love for reading with our children, parents, and community.
Read Aloud America (RAP) is a nonprofit organization, founded by Jed in 1995, that visits schools in Hawaii promoting literacy, and encouraging a love and attention to reading in children and adults.
RAP is a program that brings parents and children together for six sessions during one school semester and encourages them to develop a passion for reading. RAP is conducted at schools which provide meeting space, volunteers, and support. With only a

small fee to the host school, the program is mainly funded by The Department of Human Services with smaller contributions from local businesses and individual supporters. (Www.readaloudamerica.org) Jed's passion for reading is contagious, and
the community showed its support by increasing turn-out over the six- meeting span. The pinnacle of the program occurred with Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona's visit. Lt. Governor Aiona shared experiences and his love for reading, capping the evening by reading stories to the audience. As Jed is proud to explain, LG Aiona has been instrumental in the program. Jed and his team were kind to award many "Grand Prizes" to adult, student, and volunteer
participants. Thank you Jed, RAP, and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona for bringing the Joy of RAP to the Big Island! Hope to see you soon! Aloha.