Zippy's Makes a Mark in Maui

You’ve seen the ads; you’ve heard the hype  — but have you tried it yet for yourself? I’m speaking of Zippy’s, the ubiquitous Hawaiian chain restaurant that opened its first Maui outlet in September, 2008, the same month the stock market crashed and the economy went to hell in a hand basket. This was perfect timing for Zippy’s to come to Kahului since the eatery is beloved for a number of reasons, the least of which is great dining value.

In Hawaii, there is practically a cult of Zippy’s so it is somewhat embarrassing for me to admit but I was a Zippy’s Virgin until recently. Finding myself  famished after an all day shopping excursion in Kahalui, I decided there was no time like the present to change my shameful status by finally checking out Zippy’s world famous chili, chicken and bakery items which are shipped all over the world to homesick fans.

Once inside the airy, multi-dimensional space, I turned into a kid in a candy store and quickly snatched up bags of baked goods and bento boxes to share with other Zip Virgins in the neighborhood, suspecting there were a few others out there…

Zippy's Most Famous Dishes

Before I describe the food in detail, here are some important particulars you should know about Zippy’s: Diners can enjoy the ultimate comfort food in ultimate comfort, nestled into one of Zippy’s whopping 47 booths while enjoying attentive waitress service 24-hours a day, or they can order at the take-out counter and eat at an adjacent table without a waitress, or they can take-out and eat in the car, I mean at home, or the beach or wherever, or you can order ahead and use the drive-through window and never even leave your car.

It’s really brilliant, all the options Zippy offers, but the best thing is the truly fantastic food. Forget all you know about fast food chains and think more in terms of a menu ideally suited to local palates, including mixed plates, saimin, bento boxes, and of course bakery items.

Zippy's Saimin Supreme

On my initial visit, instinct suggested I try the Portuguese Fried Chicken, proving that my mamma doesn’t raise no fools. They called my name and I popped opened the bento to find chicken still sizzling fresh out of the fryer, slightly sweet, faintly sticky but mostly crispy, and most importantly, moist and mouth-watering. The deboned chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces that are chopstick ready and simply scrumptious. Small wonder that Zippy’s pupu platters are such BIG sellers (and you only need to call one hour in advance to get your game and party on via Zippy’s.) Next on the sample tray was a daily special – Beef Curry, served like most things at Zippy’s with two scoop rice and mac salad. Tasty and hearty, the dish won a new fan quickly.

Beef Curry

Every day Zippy’s offers two specials as well as mini-zip deals for $4.99. They regularly issue coupons and have a secret shopper program and special program that offers 10% discounts on everything to seniors.

It’s not like Zippy’s is aching for business; with 25 outlets, Zippy’s sells 150,000 pounds of their famous chili every month,  made 8-12 times a day in giant 300 gallon kettles in Oahu. Discounts, deals, promos — Zippy’s certainly responds to the community. They also sponsor events and offer their products, namely chili, for not-for-profit fund-raising opportunities.

Zippy's Scrumptious Fried Chicken

Who wouldn’t want a tub of Zippy’s chili? The thick multi-purpose concoction can be ladled over hot dogs, rice, potatoes, pasta or chips for nachos, or enjoyed its own in both bean and meat, bean only, or vegetarian varieties.

Zippy’s also offers an extensive all day breakfast menu although their famous waffles and pancakes are served only until 11 a.m. Solution? Stop by as you begin your day and again on the way home.