The Hawaiʻi-based hospitality company that operates Huggo’s, On the Rocks, Kai Eats + Drinks in Historic Kailua Village, and the Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikōloa Resort has transitioned from private ownership to employee ownership.
Luana Hospitality Group has changed ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which gives eligible team members an ownership stake in the company, aligning employees directly with the ongoing success and sustainability of Luana Hospitality’s family of restaurants.
“This is a really special day for us,” said Jolene Mears, vice president of Luana Hospitality Group. “When you’re a shareholder, you don’t just work for the company—you’re invested in it. Every decision matters more, whether it’s improving efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing the guest and team experience, or strengthening the company for the future.”
Jose Fuentes, president of Luana Hospitality Group, emphasized that the Employee Stock Ownership Plan was designed to reward the people who have built the company while maintaining the same hospitality and leadership for guests of the restaurants…