Trust me on this. Or if you are a “trust but verify” kinda guy…Google it.

Google, “Best smash burger Kōloa Kaua`i” or “Best hamburger Kōloa Kaua`i” and watch what comes up.

For those that prefer a veggie option, try “Best avocado sandwich in Kōloa”.

Just one year after opening, and the Smash Cafe Kaua`i will be at or near the top.

Every. Single. Time.

Or search Yelp, Trip Advisor, Google Reviews – 5.0 every single review.

Today, I’m sending out a huge congratulations to the Smash Cafe Kaua`i on their one year anniversary!

Wow. What an accomplishment.

Located under the banyan tree on the “food truck corner” as you enter Old Kōloa Town – it’s been an exciting, challenging, educational, and hugely gratifying year for owners, Dylan and Leeona Hooser AND their incredible Smash Cafe Kaua`i team.

Yes, I am undeniably biased. This is my family! Watching them grow this business from concept to a vibrant and successful business – fills my heart with joy.

I remember when Dylan first purchased the food trailer in Texas and drove it alone to the docks in California. Because of a faulty wheel on the trailer he was stranded at the side of the road for a short period, had to locate a mechanic in the middle of nowhere, fix the darn thing, and get back on the road…and bringing that food trailer all the way to our little island.

I remember them figuring out the menu and settling on the incredible Smash Burger.

And yes, I remember insisting they have a vegetarian option for yours truly. That’s how they came to serve a top-of-the-line scrumptiously enjoyable veggie burger, AND a totally tasty “fully loaded veggie avocado-wich” (my favorite).

Ditto to the yummy fruit smoothies and kick-butt espresso drinks.

My role in the beginning was being the “fetch and carry guy”. I’d run to the store to grab ice, take the trash to the dumpster, wipe down the tables, and of course help Claudette (Granny) keep an my eye on the grandchildren.

Dylan and Leeona did the heavy lifting, the cooking, shopping, daily cleaning from top to bottom of the food trailer, the customer service, the bookkeeping…and all that goes along with running such a business.

From the start, their primary measure of success has been “totally satisfied customers”.

Yes, of course they need to make a profit and pay the bills, but their “happy place” at the end of the day is retelling stories of customers raving “that was the best hamburger I’ve ever had”.

True. While I love that awesome avocado sandwich, day after day people pile on the smash burger praise. Tourists and locals alike come back as regulars asking for the signature Kaua`i Smash Burger.

The most recent review I found is representative of many:

“This might be the best burger I’ve ever had. The sirloin and bacon blend patty was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No notes, no substitutions. Trust the chef and get it the way he makes it. Our whole table was happy dancing as we ate!”

Side note: Several months ago we were thinking Yelp and other review sites were unfairly refusing to publish many of the Smash Cafe Kaua`i reviews. We realize now their algorithms must have been thinking there were just too many positive ones!

Today, Dylan and Leeona have gotten someone else doing the “fetching and carrying” and the Smash Cafe Kaua`i Ohana is growing with others helping with the cooking, the cleaning and other day-to-day duties.

But the joy of watching customers go wow after their first bite, and come back day after day for more – is embedded in the Smash Cafe Kaua`i culture.

Please join me in offering Dylan and Leeona and the entire Smash Cafe Ohana a huge congratulations for a job well done. It’s been a long, challenging, and sometimes stressful year…but the hard work and commitment has resulted in an enterprise our entire community can be proud of.

Come by for lunch!
Smash Cafe Kaua`i
At the “food truck corner” under the banyan tree as you first enter Old Kōloa Town –
Monday through Friday, 11am until 4pm with live “lunch time” music on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Gary Hooser
Pop Pop
The fetch and carry guy…

Screenshot