Big & Small Business Memories

[Honoruru]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

Anyone remember when there was a Texaco gas station located next to Holiday Mart during the early 70's? I think it was located to the right where you get your shopping carts now.
Aj

Yes, there was a gas station at the corner of Makaloa and Poni (don't know if it was Texaco). They tore it down to put in more parking spaces. In recent years, a small portion of that space has been rented out to various small food vendors (Tae's Teppanyaki, a Taco Truck, and now a Steak truck).

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

It was a Chevron gas station. My friend used to work there before he left to join the Air Force. His aunty used to own that gas station.

I thought so, was it a Chevron Gas station dating back to the 70's?

Anyone remember when there was a Texaco gas station located next to Holiday Mart during the early 70's? I think it was located to the right where you get your shopping carts now.

Aj

[na alii]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

Before it was a 7-11, wasn't it simply a gas station for many years, I swear I saw it on an old Aloha Parade from the 70's.

My kids are now into Kikaida, did that store owner get to relocate somewhere else?

Aj

It was a Chevron gas station. My friend used to work there before he left to join the Air Force. His aunty used to own that gas station.

[tutusue]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

Thanks, Fran. Funny...I remember the 7-11 and, I think, the gas station. And I remember the Garden Office building. I sure don't recall the "strip mall" in between those 2 properties. The IBM building has always been my landmark for that intersection.

[anapuni808]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

the office building was called "The Garden Office Building" and it was mauka of the "strip mall" which was really just a small 2 story bldg with Panya and a lot of other small businesses in it. I was lucky enough to work in the Garden Office Building for a while - it was so nice to have lunch in the courtyard. You could sit there, in the peace & quiet, listen to the birds and the sound of water. Very relaxing. Such a shame it had to fall in the name of "progress".

[tutusue]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

[...]Yup, behind that 7-11 was that strip mall that had Panya bakery on the bottom floor, and that Japanese Collectibles store upstairs. I can't remember the guys name or store name, but I went there a couple times. He was totally into Tokusatsu stuff (Kikaida, Kamen Rider, etc.). [...]

I don't remember the strip mall but I do remember a 2 story office building. Twenty-five+ years ago a former colleague of mine had an office on the ground floor and it had sliding glass doors out to a small lanai. I always liked that feature! Was the office building on the mauka side of the strip mall or are they one and the same and my brain is in fut mode?

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I totally remember that corner 7-11, which didn't last very long, as it was torn down just a few years after being there to make way for Hokua Tower.

Before it was a 7-11, wasn't it simply a gas station for many years, I swear I saw it on an old Aloha Parade from the 70's.

My kids are now into Kikaida, did that store owner get to relocate somewhere else?

Aj

[Pomai]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

There have been many changes in that area in just the last couple years, remember the 7-11 that once stood at that corner across the street, which now sits a tall skyscraper? And behind the 7-11 as I recall was a 2 story strip mall with a bakery, toy store, bunch of little shops that seem now to be a distant memory.

I totally remember that corner 7-11, which didn't last very long, as it was torn down just a few years after being there to make way for Hokua Tower.

Yup, behind that 7-11 was that strip mall that had Panya bakery on the bottom floor, and that Japanese Collectibles store upstairs. I can't remember the guys name or store name, but I went there a couple times. He was totally into Tokusatsu stuff (Kikaida, Kamen Rider, etc.).

What I miss most of all was how the original Farmer's Market was, when they had Bob's Peanuts, and all the other small vendors that lined the inside. It was like going back in time. Just a few old-timers remain today such as Haili's Hawaiian Foods and Tropic Fish & Vegetable, which is very much appreciated! They keep that "old school" spirit alive at WFM. I haven't heard what General Growth has plans for with WFM. Are they planning on tearing that down? I'd really be sad if they do.

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I knew the IBM Building was pretty old, but not that old! That is prime property and you wonder how long it will be before it is bought and torn down.

There have been many changes in that area in just the last couple years, remember the 7-11 that once stood at that corner across the street, which now sits a tall skyscraper? And behind the 7-11 as I recall was a 2 story strip mall with a bakery, toy store, bunch of little shops that seem now to be a distant memory.

Aj

[Pomai]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I'm looking at an old parade from 15 years or so ago on Ala Moana Blvd. I don't see the building that now houses Borders at Ward. I do see the building next to it that has been around forever it seems.

Was Borders added on to Ward Warehouse as an expansion of the Ward building structures or did something else occupy it before they moved into that location?

Couldnt think where else to post this question but here...

Thanks,

Aj

I believe that building you're referring to that's been there for awhile is the IBM building, which this article says went up right after Statehood. Wow... that IS old!

Ward Center (where Borders is) was indeed added to the Victoria Ward complex of buildings at a later time, and is an entirely different structure, located a block up from the older Ward Warehouse. It can easily be distinguished by its more modern architecture and concrete construction (vs. wood tavern style at Ward Warehouse). IIRC, that was added on some time in the 80's.

As you know, the new Whole Foods structure right across the street from Ward Center on Auahi is making lots of progress, with the main structure already completed. It's gonna' be HUGE.

General Growth, who owns Ala Moana Center, also now owns Victoria Ward Center.

[DannyWilliams]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

Was Borders added on to Ward Warehouse as an expansion of the Ward building structures or did something else occupy it before they moved into that location?

I wanna say YES. The design of the building being that its two stories needed to be created for the chain outlet. I remember when it was under construction when I was still on the islands.

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I'm looking at an old parade from 15 years or so ago on Ala Moana Blvd. I don't see the building that now houses Borders at Ward. I do see the building next to it that has been around forever it seems.

Was Borders added on to Ward Warehouse as an expansion of the Ward building structures or did something else occupy it before they moved into that location?

Couldnt think where else to post this question but here...

Thanks,

Aj

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I caught this one today and almost too late, TOMMY'S VIDEO on King Street, not far from Farrington High School is closing next Wednesday 9/26th after 22 years in business. They are selling all of their DVD's and VHS tapes, so you might want to stop by during the next week.

Aj

[oceanpacific]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

Name of business I frequented a lot while I was on the islands.......

Dunno if its still there or long gone

It's a sushi place in Kaimuki that is directly across from the Kaimuki Park and I do recall there is a 7-11 on one end and a billiard place on the corner on the other side.....

What is the name of that place?

My mom who is longer living took me there a lot and if you are eating there they have booths/tables and huge windows you could look out of I believe is Waialae Avenue..........

Lots of memories for me sooooooo anyone know what was the name of this place?

The one I remember was a saimin place called TANOUE'S.

[DannyWilliams]

Re: Big & Small Business Memories

I was running around doing errands and found myself at the TANFORAN MALL in San Bruno and could not help noticing ORANGE JULUIS merged with DAIRY QUEEN I thought OJ died? Guess not! btw is it still in Hawaii?