For 27 years, Aloha Food Factory has been a cornerstone of Alhambra’s dining scene, serving up authentic Hawaiian flavors and the spirit of “ohana.” However, this cherished institution is facing an unexpected challenge: the potential closure of its original location at the end of this month. Development plans have been filed to replace the site, shared with Ernie’s Burgers at 2990 W Valley Blvd, with an automated car wash, casting a shadow over the future of Aloha Food Factory.
Co-owners Aaron Luong and James Kuang are rallying the community to support Aloha Food Factory. Through their Instagram account, they are encouraging loyal customers and concerned residents to attend a crucial public hearing at Alhambra City Hall on June 7th at 7 p.m. Their hope is that a strong community presence will either halt the development plans or at least buy time to find a new home for Aloha Food Factory, ensuring that this taste of Hawaiian homestyle cooking continues to thrive.
Luong expressed his hopes, stating, “The one thing I’m hoping is that enough people come [to the hearing] or virtually voice their opinions to just impede the car wash for now. That way we can maintain the operations at the original location and build enough experience [and] resources to get us looking into more locations that bring this homestyle experience of Hawaiian food to a broader spectrum.”
A Legacy of Ohana and Hawaiian Cuisine in San Gabriel Valley
Aloha Food Factory‘s story began in 1994 when Betty and Ernest Tom established this San Gabriel Valley gem at the corner of Valley Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue. More than just a restaurant, it became a place where the Hawaiian concept of “ohana” – family – was genuinely felt. Beyond serving island favorites like loco moco, Spam musubi, and macadamia nut pancakes, the Toms fostered a welcoming atmosphere that kept customers coming back for decades.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced dining room closures in March 2020, Luong and Kuang, longtime patrons of Aloha Food Factory, stepped in to assist the Toms, who are in their 70s, in navigating the challenges. Bringing their expertise in engineering, business, and real estate, Luong and Kuang modernized the restaurant’s operations. They introduced online ordering and third-party delivery services, propelling the traditionally analog Aloha Food Factory into the digital age when it reopened in August.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22544421/Aloha_Food_Factory_signs.0.jpg “Signs announcing a public hearing for a proposed car wash development at the Aloha Food Factory location alerted Betty Tom to the imminent threat of closure.”)
Car Wash Development Puts Aloha Food Factory’s Future at Risk
The news of the potential car wash development came as a shock. On May 26th, Betty Tom was informed of the imminent plans when signs announcing the public hearing were posted outside Aloha Food Factory. “These two guys came in and said, ‘We need to put up these signs,’ and I go, ‘What?’ So that’s the first time I even heard of it,” Betty recounts, highlighting the suddenness of the news. Reflecting on their journey, she adds, “We started 27 years ago from zero to be one of the top Hawaiian restaurants. It’s been my dream to have it go on forever.”
Malcolm Arakelian of M.A. Properties, the lot owner, believes an automated car wash is an “ideal” use for the property, aiming to “improve the land.” While stating he is keeping options open, Arakelian confirmed he is not considering renewing the leases for the existing restaurant tenants, signaling a clear direction towards redevelopment or property sale.
Community Support and the Road Ahead for Aloha Food Factory
The news of Aloha Food Factory‘s possible closure has resonated deeply with the community. Customers are flocking to the restaurant, eager to enjoy their favorite Hawaiian dishes while they still can. “This past weekend, it was double the amount of normal traffic on our already regularly busy weekends,” Luong noted, illustrating the outpouring of support.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the public hearing outcome, Luong is proactively searching for alternative locations along Valley Boulevard, just in case. The planning commission’s decision on June 7th will be pivotal, determining the leasing terms beyond the end of the month if the car wash project proceeds.
Betty Tom remains hopeful, stating, “We’ve always been in the black, so we’re very fortunate. Now our business is booming and now we’re facing this situation and everyone is sad. People are going to be disappointed, but I just feel like we need to go on somehow because everybody loves our food.” The future of Aloha Food Factory hangs in the balance, but the community’s love for this Hawaiian eatery and the owners’ determination offer a glimmer of hope that this Alhambra favorite will find a way to continue serving its cherished “ohana.”
