The Polynesian Cultural Center celebrated an unforgettable occasion as they opened their doors to the new and improved Gateway Restaurant, during its grand opening on Thursday, November 10, 2011. The newly renovated Gateway restaurant showcases majestic Polynesian tradition and culture, set in a beautiful Hawaiian theme. The much anticipated completion of this restaurant made for a very successful event.
The build-up for this renovation unfolded as planning and preparation soon lead to construction, all of which required the collaborative help and effort of many enthusiastic and talented individuals. Students at BYU–Hawaii played crucial roles in the development of this re-envisioned venue. Their input was extremely valuable as many of the students attending BYU–Hawaii also work part time at the PCC as a means of funding their education.
Logo Apelu, Vice President of Operations at the PCC, also commented on the significance of student involvement: “From the beginning of the project, students were involved in providing input and feedback through an analysis of what is needed to upgrade the quality of food and service, so the new building becomes an experience of its own instead of just a dining facility. Through that analysis the management was able to pull together a plan of how this building should function.” He continued by saying, “Together with full-timers, students were involved in deciding what key aspects of Polynesian cultures should be included in the mural. Some of them were also involved in the food selection and especially the tasting process. They were also involved in the discussion on how guests should be greeted and escorted to the buffet lines.”
The grand opening featured not only an assortment of cuisine from throughout the Pacific, but presented amazing new features such as a 500-foot mural that encircles the entire restaurant. The depiction of this mural centers upon Hawaii as a gathering place for cultures from all around the world. The attention that went into the detail helped illustrate the underlying significance portrayed in this venue regarding Polynesian culture and beauty.
“We set out to create a unique venue that captured the essence of not only the Polynesian Cultural Center, but all of our featured Pacific island cultures — something that was more than just a restaurant, but an experience,” said Alfred Grace, Chief Operating officer at the PCC.
As the evening’s events transpired, each of the islands represented at the Cultural Center presented Von D. Orgill, President and CEO of the PCC, with handcrafted gifts and food to honor the newly furbished grand Hawaiian hall and the rich abundance of Hawaii’s land and sea that the hall represents. To commemorate this occasion, kamaʻāina or local residents of the area, were also invited to attend and take part in the evening’s events.
This new and improved edition to the PCC will benefit and contribute to its overall mission. This will ultimately preserve and portray the cultures of Polynesia, and invite those from all around the world to come and feel welcome as they witness and explore this unique treasure.
For more information on the Polynesian Cultural Center, click here