Spilling the
Chili Beans
Rumors. Myths. Fun facts. We’re setting the record straight.
No, Zippy's chili does not contain peanut butter. While there is a long-running local rumor and urban legend in Hawaii that peanut butter or mayonnaise is the secret to its creamy texture, Zippy's Allergen Guide does not list peanuts or peanut products in its chili. The secret ingredient to make our chili taste so 'ono? A whole lot of love and aloha.
Zippy's got its name from the newly introduced ZIP code system, which was gaining popularity for fast and efficient mail delivery when the restaurant opened in 1966.Founders and brothers Francis and Charles Higa wanted their restaurant to reflect that same kind of quick, efficient service. They originally planned to open a car wash on South King Street in Honolulu, but they changed their minds and opened a restaurant instead.
Apple Napple® was invented by Jan Tsukazaki, bakery plant manager, along with head baker Eddie Kaneshiro at Napoleon's Bakery in Hawaii in 1983.
No! Zippy's is single family owned and has been since its start in 1966. The business is currently in its second generation of owners.
Moki Man (also frequently called Moki Boy) is the original, nostalgic mascot for Zippy's. He was first introduced decades ago and quickly became a staple of Zippy's early branding. He is typically depicted as a cartoon local boy or surfer character who captures the "local style" and aloha spirit of the islands.
In 1989, when Zippy's introduced its famous "Surf Pac" meal to sponsor local youth surfing events, Moki Man was heavily integrated into the surf-themed artwork and marketing.