U.S. Realty Partners has officially opened Dining Lot — the nation’s first indoor food truck hall located within a shopping center. Situated inside Lahaina Cannery Shopping Center, a 140k sf, enclosed retail property at 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy in Lahaina on the island of Maui, the new venue combines the energy of the food truck scene with the comfort and convenience of a climate-controlled indoor setting.
Dining Lot is home to five full-service food trucks and one bar truck, each designed in a classic custom food trailer style but permanently installed. Current operators include Thai Ono, Sushi Ko, Ganotisi, Sergio’s Cantina food truck, Sergio’s Cantina bar truck, and Gourmandise.
The venue offers more than just dining; it’s an entertainment destination. Guests can enjoy a 16-foot by 9-foot high-definition video wall, three 100-inch HD TVs, a professional sound system, and a performance stage hosting regular cultural showcases such as Hula performances, live music, special events, and big-screen sports viewings. For those who prefer the outdoors, the ocean-view lanai provides a relaxed alternative, featuring comfortable seating, umbrellas, and string lighting. Of course, there are many retail shops to browse as well.
Every truck is equipped with a full commercial kitchen, including a large refrigerator and freezer. Water, wastewater, grease trap, ventilation, propane, electrical, and fire system connections are built directly into the shopping center infrastructure. Additional refrigerators, freezers, and a commercial ice machine are available to the food truck operators in a separate cold storage area we built in a former storage area within the mall.
“Hawaii and many regions across the U.S. have experienced explosive growth in the popularity of food trucks,” said Jay Kerner, President and CEO of U.S. Realty Partners, Inc. “We previously licensed outdoor parking lot spaces for food trucks at Lahaina Cannery, but our leasing broker, Kimo Greenwald of CBRE, suggested bringing the experience indoors. After years of collaboration with County officials, manufacturers, architects, and contractors, Dining Lot became a reality.”
Kerner added, “Dining Lot gives operators a fully equipped, permanent kitchen space without the high upfront costs capital costs - while offering customers a unique, climate-controlled venue to enjoy a variety of cuisines and entertainment.”
The food trucks and bar were designed by RIM Architects in Honolulu and fabricated by LA Custom Food Trucks in Sylmar, California. Upon arrival in Lahaina, Arita Poulson General Contracting and local subcontractors completed electrical, gas, plumbing, fire sprinkler, and Ansul fire suppression system installations to secure all necessary inspections and approvals.
Lahaina Cannery Shopping Center is anchored by a recently renovated 65k sf Safeway, Longs Drugs (CVS), and a mix of specialty shop, restaurants and services. Located in the heart of scenic West Maui - one of the most affluent and visited resort destinations in Hawaii - the property benefits from over 2.4 million annual visitors and prime visibility at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and the Keawe Street Bypass.
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