The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is adding a pair of new food options for the 2023 fall semester.
Food Truck Row is located by Krauss Hall and Legacy Pathway. Two new small businesses—Aloha Coffee and Veggi Dogs—joined the roster of food trucks on campus this semester. Both family-run businesses are allowing their owners to pursue their passions.
Complete list of Food Truck Row vendors:
- *Aloha Coffee (Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m.) (coffee options, snacks)
- Evisuya (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (Japanese dishes)
- Happy Belly (Monday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (local Asian-fusion plate lunches)
- HI Cravings (Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (acai bowls)
- Holoholo Bistro (Wednesday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (local style grab-and-go snacks )
- Sama Sama (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (Filipino boba drinks)
- *Veggi Dogs (Monday and Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) (plant-based hot dog stand)
(* = new for fall 2023)
Aloha Coffee
Aloha Coffee features quality coffee with local ingredients. Owner Jon Schaffer sources his coffee from Kona Coffee Purveyors. Working with a local coffee distributor allows him to have a familiarity with the Kona mix blend coffee that he serves from the time it is picked on the farm until it is handed to his customers.
Schaffer got into the coffee business as a second career. At the time, he was looking for a company that would allow him to spend time with his kids and build a business they could eventually take over. His children have helped with the Aloha Coffee logo concept and the selection of the flavors. One of the more unique beverages on the menu is the Ube Lavender Latte.
Aloha Coffee has hired UH students to help operate their campus location. “It’s convenient to work between my classes and the schedule is flexible,” said Lisa Hernandez, an Aloha Coffee employee and a UH Mānoa junior. “I enjoy connecting with other students and helping to make a positive start to someone’s day, serving them coffee.”
Veggi Dogs
Increasing the vegan options on campus, Veggi Dogs is a plant-based hot dog cart that also serves dairy-free soft serve. Their hot dogs feature a variety of toppings over a chickpea-based dog.
Owner Chad Morisato expressed how great it is to be back on campus. Morisato spent several years as a UH Mānoa art student. After discovering the veggie dog products, he felt it would make a great second income stream, allowing him the flexibility to maintain his passion for art.
Morisato opened Veggi Dogs on Kapahulu before expanding to farmers markets and now UH Mānoa. The business has been a family affair, with his son and wife supporting the operations. The most popular item on their menu is the Reggi Dog topped with sauerkraut, spicy chili mayo and crispy onion.
Morisato said that his products appeal to an audience beyond vegetarians and vegans. Paul Legaspi, an electrical engineering sophomore, agreed, “It is a great place. I would recommend Veggi Dogs even if you’re not a vegan.”
“Both these new concepts not only add a lot to our program in terms of variety and addressing some of our customer base desires, but also provide unique flavors and food experiences to our UH community,” UH Mānoa Food Services Manager Andy Lachman said. “One of my favorite aspects of working for Food Services is having an opportunity to work with small local businesses like Veggi Dog and Aloha Coffee.”
There are also food service options at Paradise Palms and through UH Mānoa contractor Sodexo, which operates the student meal plans.
- Dunkin’ Donuts (donuts, sandwiches, coffee)
- Holoholo Grill (local dishes)
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (local dishes)
- Le Crepe Café (sweet and savory crepes)
- Lasoon (Nepali and Indian food)
- Panda Express (American Chinese)
- Campus Center Food Court
- Gateway Cafe
- Ba-Le (Vietnamese sandwiches, dishes)
- B’Rito (Mexican food)
- Jamba Juice
- Starbucks
- *Ding Tea (boba and milk tea)
(* = new for fall 2023)
