Sammy Hagar opens new cafe at Kahului Airport with profits to benefit local children

A new island-style café is ready to offer travelers at Kahului Airport (OGG) a warm Hawaiian “Aloha”. Today the airport celebrated the grand opening of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill, the namesake of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Maui resident Sammy Hagar. The first of its kind, the new full-service restaurant was created by Sammy Hagar and HMSHost, a world leader in travel venue dining and shopping, and the leaseholder and manager of multiple concessions at Kahului, Lihue and Honolulu airports. The new island style café is part of a six-year contract extension awarded to HMSHost last November.

Airport concession upgrades including the addition of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill are part of the Lingle Administration’s $2.3 billion, 12-year airports modernization plan, which includes terminal improvements at OGG to support growth on the Honolulu-Kahului corridor, one of the busiest air routes in the U.S.

“HMSHost is demonstrating its commitment to welcoming Hawaii’s visitors at Maui’s Kahului Airport with local fare that reflects the culture of the Islands. Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill gives travelers an immediate ‘sense of place’ as soon as they step off the plane,” said Brennon Morioka, Hawaii’s department of transportation director.

The Hawaiian Islands’ casual, beach environment and Hagar’s personal flare inspired the atmosphere and ambience of Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill. Signed memorabilia from the artist’s personal collection adorn the walls surrounding the bar. Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, and other rock and surf inspired music provides the backdrop.

“Music and dining are two of my great passions. Our menu is the result of recipes and advice I’ve received from some of my favorite friends, the celebrated chefs I’ve met in my travels across America. Working with HMSHost to develop Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill has been an unparalleled positive experience,” said Sammy Hagar.

Lunch and dinner menu selections showcase classic American fare with local ingredients and favorite island recipes such as Cabo Wabo Ceviche, Beach Salad, Ahi Tuna Burger and Crispy Pescado Mahi Mahi, the island version of fish and chips.

Sammy Hagar will dedicate his profits from this restaurant to local community children’s charities through the Hagar Family Foundation. Guests can enjoy a great meal and know that together they have made a difference to local children in need.

“By bringing local flavor to our airports, HMSHost is creating memorable travel experiences for our visitors, while working with local residents to help them give back to the community,” said Brian Sekiguchi, deputy director for Airports, Hawaii Department of Transportation.

“We are honored to continue our successful relationship with Hawaii’s airports by delivering brands and amenities that represent the region’s best and make the traveler’s day better,” said Steve Johnson, HMSHost Senior Vice President for Business Development.


About HMSHost
HMSHost is a world leader in creating shopping and dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.6 billion and employs more than 33,000 sales associates worldwide. A part of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel restaurants and retail. With sales exceeding €4.8 billion, Autogrill is present in 42 countries with more than 5,300 points of sale in more than 1,200 locations (including 216 airports and 704 motorways) where 68,000 employees serve over 890 million customers every year. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.

About the Hagar Family Foundation
The Hagar Family Foundation is a private nonprofit organization whose charitable purposes include helping children with life-threatening diseases to obtain medical care. The Foundation was established in 2008 through the generosity of Sammy Hagar and his family.