60th Anniversary Stories

Francis (black suit, left ) and brother
Charlie (black suit and sunglasses,
right) at the groundbreaking cere-
mony of the first Zippy’s locatio

Photos, memories, and moments through the years.

Island Bakery Staple: Custard Pie

Some desserts don't need to be flashy to earn a permanent place in people's hearts — they just need to be done well. Zippy's custard pie is a perfect example. Simple, comforting, and consistently delicious, it's become a true Hawaii bakery favorite for locals who appreciate a classic done right. What Is Zippy's Custard Pie? Zippy's custard pie features a smooth, creamy custard filling nestled inside a flaky pie crust. The filling is rich and velvety, with that classic custard flavor that's both comforting and satisfying, while the crust adds a light, flaky contrast that keeps every bite from feeling too heavy. It's a straightforward dessert, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it so beloved. There's no elaborate decoration or complicated flavor combination — just a well-made custard filling and a perfectly baked crust, executed the way a classic pie should be. Why Custard Pie Holds a Special Place in Hawaii Bakery Culture Custard pie has long been a staple in Hawaii's local bakery scene, often appearing alongside other beloved classics like chiffon cakes and cream pies. It represents a style of dessert that prioritizes texture and comfort over flashiness — smooth, creamy, and satisfying in a way that keeps people coming back for more. Zippy's has continued this tradition, offering a custard pie that captures the classic flavor and texture people expect while maintaining the consistency and quality the bakery is known for.

Rooted in Tradition: Dobash Cake

Ask anyone who grew up in Hawaii about their favorite local cakes, and Dobash Cake is almost guaranteed to come up. This rich, chocolatey dessert has been a staple of island bakeries for generations, and Zippy's version is one that locals continue to seek out. If you've never tried it — or if you're simply curious what makes it so special — here's a closer look at Zippy's Dobash Cake. What Is Dobash Cake? Dobash Cake is a Hawaii bakery favorite built around moist chocolate chiffon Cake. Like other chiffon-style cakes, it gets its light, airy texture from whipped egg whites folded into the batter, resulting in a cake that's rich in chocolate flavor without feeling dense or heavy. The defining feature of Dobash Cake, though, is its frosting. Zippy's tops its chocolate chiffon layers with a rich, creamy Dobash frosting — a chocolate buttercream-style icing that's smooth, sweet, and deeply chocolatey. It's the frosting that gives Dobash Cake its name and its signature taste, setting it apart from other chocolate cakes. The finishing touch is simple but iconic: a single cherry on top of each slice or cake, adding a small pop of color and a hint of fruity sweetness to balance out the richness of the chocolate. Rooted in Hawaii's Bakery Traditions Dobash Cake has long been a fixture of Hawaii's local bakery scene, and it holds a special place in island food culture. The name "Dobash" is believed to be a local adaptation of "Doberge," a multi-layer Cake style with roots in New Orleans, reimagined over the decades into the chocolate-forward, cherry-topped version Hawaii residents know and love today. Zippy's has helped keep this tradition alive, offering a version of Dobash Cake that stays true to its rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting while remaining a familiar, comforting treat for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Since the Beginning: Zippy’s Teriyaki Beef

When it comes to iconic local food in Hawaii, few dishes are as beloved as Zippy's Teriyaki Beef. This favorite has earned a loyal following among both residents and visitors since it’s been on the menu when Zippy’s first opened in 1966. At Zippy's, teriyaki beef represents the perfect combination of Japanese-inspired flavors and Hawaii's unique comfort food culture. Hawaii's cuisine reflects generations of multicultural influences, including strong Japanese culinary traditions. Teriyaki became a local favorite because of its delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Zippy's Teriyaki Beef features savory, marinated beef infused with the sweet and salty flavors that have made teriyaki one of Hawaii's most popular culinary influences. Teriyaki sauce and flavor has long been a staple in Hawaii's food scene, and Zippy's has helped keep this local favorite at the forefront of island dining. Whether served as part of a satisfying plate lunch (Teriyaki Beef Plate, Zip Pac®, Zip Pac® Deluxe) or a sandwich (Teriyaki Beef Bun), teriyaki beef continues to be one of our signature offerings.

Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken: The Customer Favorite You Need to Try

If you're searching for the best Korean fried chicken in Hawaii, there's a good chance you've heard about Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken . Known for its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, sweet and savory garlic sauce, and island-style comfort food appeal, this menu favorite has become one of Zippy's most popular dishes across Hawaii and Nevada. What Makes Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken So Popular? Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken stands out because it perfectly balances texture and flavor. Each order features crispy, golden fried chunks of tender chicken coated with a sweet, salty, garlicky Korean-style sauce, served with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad — it delivers the ultimate Hawaii plate lunch experience. Unlike traditional fried chicken, Korean-style fried chicken is famous for its light, crunchy exterior and flavorful sauce. Zippy's version combines Korean-inspired flavors with Hawaii's unique food culture, creating a dish that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. The Perfect Blend of Korean and Hawaii Flavors One reason customers keep coming back is the fusion of cultures found in every bite. The sauce offers a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and garlicky notes, while the crispy chicken provides the satisfying crunch Korean fried chicken fans expect. Paired with traditional Hawaii-style sides, the meal becomes a true island comfort food experience. Hawaii's culinary scene is known for blending Asian and local influences, and Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken is a perfect example of that tradition. Whether you're craving something hearty for breakfast, flavorful for lunch, or looking for a satisfying dinner option, this dish consistently delivers. Best Ways to Enjoy Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken To get the most out of your meal, pair your Korean fried chicken with: • White rice and macaroni salad (Korean Fried Chicken Plate) • Mixed greens (Korean Fried Chicken Salad) • Zippy’s Original Chili (Korean Fried Chicken & Chili Mixed Plate) • Other island-style favorites from the Zippy's menu For decades, Zippy's has been a beloved part of Hawaii's dining culture, serving local favorites that bring people together. The Korean Fried Chicken has earned a dedicated following thanks to its flavor-packed sauce, crispy texture, and satisfying plate lunch presentation. Whether you're a longtime resident, a first-time visitor, or simply a fan of Korean-inspired cuisine, Zippy's Korean Fried Chicken deserves a spot on your must-try list. Next time you're craving Korean fried chicken, stop by your nearest Zippy's and discover why it’s become a fan-favorite.