It is a sad day for many longtime customers of John Dominis.
Tuesday was the final night for the Kakaako restaurant after 31 years in business -- a restaurant that's served many locals, tourists, and celebrities.
John Dominis was supposed to close back in April, but got an extension because the company that bought out the lease didn't have the proper permits.
On Tuesday, the dining room was fully booked.
It's an iconic gem on the Kakaako waterfront.
"Atmosphere is good, food is excellent, service is excellent," said longtime customer Niles Cravalho of Kailua.
Since 1979, John Dominis has been part of many special memories and celebrations.
"Christmas Eve every year," said longtime customer Thomas Lee of Aiea.
"Anniversaries, birthdays," said Cravalho.
In fact, Cravalho is here celebrating his 81st birthday.
"Happy for birthday but sad to see John Dominis closing," said Cravalho.
After 31 years, John Dominis Restaurant is serving its final meals.
Favorites like:
"The shrimp and sashimi," said Cravalho.
"I usually order the live main lobster and other family orders steak or opakapaka," said Lee.
"I wanna order everything tonight but can't," said longtime customer Stan Mahelona of Royal Kunia.
Mahelona has been coming here every New Year's Eve for more than 25 years.
"To think what we're going to do this New Year's Eve it's hard to imagine," said Mahelona.
It's also hard to imagine for many of the longtime employees, like busboy Dale Yasuhara.
"Next year will be 26," said Yasuhara.
He too has many fond memories, especially of all the famous people he's served.
"Arnold Schwarzenegger he's a regular. Eddie Murphy came one year good tipper good tipper," said Yasuhara.
Owner Andy Anderson says just like many other fine dining restaurants, John Dominis also took a hit with the economy.
"So for today's economy and the competition it's too big of a restaurant today," said Anderson.
A Japanese company, Ocean Development, offered Anderson money to take over the lease on this State-owned land.
The company plans to tear down this iconic gem.
"They're supposed to demolish this in January I'm told," said Anderson.
He says the company plans to build two multi-purpose buildings with a restaurant in the middle.
But when one door closes another often opens.
"Yeah I'd like to open one up in the Haleiwa Beach Hotel. Maybe down the road we might have one on the North Shore," said Anderson.
"If they do open up again I'm sure we will be going," said Lee.
About 70 employees will be out of work when John Dominis closes, but many of them have already found other jobs.
