After three years in development, Hapa’s on the Mainland is expected to open by the end of 2026, according to co-owners Ann and Dennis Tussey of Sweet T’s in Windsor.
The couple hosted a preview party for investors on Sunday at their restaurant, serving flaming tiki cocktails alongside Hawaiian-style dishes such as poke, lomi salmon, shoyu chicken and fried kampachi. Several of those items are likely to appear on the final menu.
The concept has long been a goal of George Ah Chin, a longtime pitmaster and Sweet T’s business partner who grew up on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Hapa’s will occupy the former Cricklewood space in Santa Rosa. The original building, at 4618 Old Redwood Highway, was destroyed in the 2017 wildfires; although it was later rebuilt, it has remained vacant.
Ann Tussey said the new restaurant will feature an indoor tiki lounge, a dining room and two outdoor bars, with capacity for more than 200 guests.
“We hope to have everyone with tiki mugs in hand by the end of the year,” she said.