Hawaiian Cuisine is Coming to Downtown Shreveport

To the delight of Louisiana foodies, Shreveport downtown is poised to welcome a touch of Pacific Island flavor to its restaurant lineup. Local eatery, Ono’s, known for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine, has announced its imminent relocation to Artspace.

A Dream come True

Sione Maumalanga, owner of Ono’s, expressed his excitement about the move with a palpable sense of anticipation. “It’s something I have dreamt about for a long time. For the first time it feels right”, said Maumalanga. Ono’s, fought off stiff competition from several other interested parties to become the next culinary sensation in this iconic location.

Tracing Ono’s Journey

Initially conceived as a food truck back in 2016, Ono’s blossomed into a full-blown brick-and-mortar restaurant in Broadmoor two years later. However, in February 2020, the eatery had to close its doors due to unforeseen circumstances. Undeterred, Ono’s returned to its roots, reverting to a food truck model to satiate Shreveport’s appetite for Hawaiian fare. Now, in an exciting twist, Maumalanga and his team plan to reopen their doors to lovers of exotic cuisine in early August 2024.

An Ideal Partnership

Henry Price, the board president of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC), emphasized the importance of the right partnership for success. “Anything that is successful is about relationships. We have worked diligently to try to make sure that the next tenant in this space fosters a good relationship”, commented Price. This sentiment was echoed by Rebecca Bonnevier, SRAC Executive Director, who noted the significance of Ono’s being Artspace’s exclusive caterer for the foreseeable future.

A New Chapter for Ono’s and Artspace

Ono’s new lease on life at Artspace promises a win-win situation for both parties. Artspace, a premier art and performance venue in Shreveport frequently rented for weddings, reunions, and other social events, benefits enormously with the addition of Ono’s as its exclusive caterer. The restaurant’s unique culinary offerings hold the promise of luring curious visitors from far and wide while simultaneously breathing fresh life into the local gastronomic scene.

Looking Forward

As Shreveport eagerly anticipates this new chapter in its culinary journey, the excitement is palpable. Ono’s relocation to Artspace promises not just a new dining experience, but a unique blend of art and culture epitomized by the essence of aloha. Shreveport locals and visitors alike, gear up to say ‘Mahalo’ to a new era of Hawaiian cuisine in the heart of Louisiana!