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TEX DRIVE IN HISTORY
Tex Drive In, established in 1968 in the plantation town of Honokaa, enjoys a long-standing reputation for good food and hot Malasadas. Growing from a small fast food shop into an affordable family restaurant has been an effective function of management anticipating market trends and being sensitive to customer demands. Tex Drive In's success story comes from understanding the Aloha Spirit and serving foods that are well prepared, are home grown and have a distinct Island flavor. Tex understands that its people make the difference and therefore it makes an investment in education, benefits and overall employee guidance. Tex Drive In continually looks to broaden its customer base, thereby providing job opportunities for the local community. The Ernest Texeira Family owned the business for the first 25 years. Ada Pulin-Lamme bought the business in September of 1994 bringing to the Tex Drive In new energies and management/ marketing strategies, which resulted in immediate increased sales. Implementing advertising geared towards the Visitor Industry and developing a strong relationship with travel industry companies, such as Roberts Hawaii, Polynesian Adventure Tours, HRT has insured a steady stream of visitor business. In 1999 the Tex Drive In was completely renovated. Much attention was given to accommodating customers by creating space, building a large patio for outside seating, and by moving the Malasadas production to its own kitchen. Through windows customers can now watch us make Malasadas.
Tex Drive In, located on Highway 19, is the gateway to the town of Honokaa. Because of its strategic location Tex Drive In was selected to be the official Hamakua Visitor Center, and be part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Corridor. Signs along the highway direct travelers to this Visitor Center. Tex Pahala will be Tex Drive In's second location on the island of Hawaii, This restaurant, which is located in the town of Pahala, is under construction, and opening is scheduled for the beginning of April, 2001. Construction of the new Gifts and Imports store TEX MAKANA ALOHA on the Honoka'a site is anticipated to start this spring. This store, opening scheduled for Fall 2001, is expected to greatly benefit Tex Drive In. The Tex businesses in Honoka'a share impressive professionally landscaped grounds and gardens, which have the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and views of Maui's Haleakala as a backdrop. |
