AO Hawaiian Hideout closed on October 31 after 13 years in Chicago’s South Loop. Owner Betty Hlavka said a family member’s deteriorating health led to the closure. As she prepared to shut the restaurant, she asked nearby businesses to consider hiring her staff.
Several restaurants responded, according to Block Club Chicago. Joe Liakopoulos, owner of Panchos Rooftop & Cantina and La Diabla, hired an AO cook who began working at the Plymouth Court restaurant on November 3. The cook has since taken another job.
A Deal That Almost Kept Everyone Together
Nate and Dianne Domingo, who own Hawaiian street-food restaurant Da Local Boy, considered making the former AO space the business’s third location. Their proposal would have kept Hlavka’s staff together and retained some items from AO’s menu.
Nate Domingo said the couple hoped to continue the Hawaiian restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, and Hlavka offered catering equipment and other items to support their expansion, Block Club Chicago reported. The plan did not go ahead after disagreements with the landlord over lease terms. The Domingos had previously retained many employees when Da Local Boy took over a storefront formerly occupied by Saucy Porka, according to Block Club Chicago.
Neighbors Across the Street Pitch In
Il Culaccino, a South Loop Italian restaurant owned by Frank Ruffolo, also offered to hire members of AO’s team. Ruffolo spoke positively of the employees’ experience and their time at the restaurant.
Flo & Santos, the Polish-Italian restaurant across the street from AO Hawaiian Hideout, made a similar offer. Manager Jio Garcia said local businesses have a responsibility to support one another.
A Restaurant Built on Family and a Famous Mai Tai
AO Hawaiian Hideout was known locally for its mai tai, a recipe Hlavka described as more than 75 years old. An OCA article said Hlavka, who grew up in Chicago’s Chinatown, emphasized welcoming customers and treating them like family—a principle reflected in her effort to help staff find work as the restaurant closed.
Employment resources for restaurant workers
For workers whose jobs end, the Illinois Department of Employment Security says unemployment insurance may be available to people who meet legal requirements; eligibility is assessed individually. The agency also directs job seekers to IllinoisJobLink.com to search for openings.
Hlavka had tried to sell the restaurant before it shut down. Although the Domingos’ proposed takeover fell through, she thanked Il Culaccino, Flo & Santos, Panchos and La Diabla for their support during the restaurant’s final week.
