Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian McRae.
Hi Ian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The original Hula’s was opened in Monterey in 1998 by Craig and Chris Delaney, brothers who had longstanding experience in the restaurant business, much of it in Maui. Ian McRae partnered with the Delaney’s to open Hula’s Santa Cruz in 2005. Additional local investors were brought in to build out the space at 221 Cathcart Street in downtown Santa Cruz. It has been a crowd-pleaser ever since. The partners remain committed to providing locals and tourists alike with a fun, lively, and tasty island experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The restaurant business always has its ups and downs. Certainly the 2008 economic recession was very difficult, as people understandably reduced discretionary spending like eating out. COVID 19 was also tough though with support from our community and local, state, and federal government we got through it. Right now, downtown Santa Cruz is going through dramatic physical changes with new buildings, housing, and commercial spaces under construction. We’re very excited about what lies ahead and share the City of Santa Cruz’s vision for a thriving downtown environment.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room, Santa Cruz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’ve been a thriving downtown Santa Cruz restaurant for the past 20 years, recently voted Best Hawaiian Restaurant, Best Bar, and Best Happy Hour. Longtime locals and vacationers alike love our fresh, island inspired menu, exotic cocktails, and tropical vibe — who doesn’t love a Tiki Bar? We’re proud of the high quality food we serve up: fresh fish, burgers, ribs, and bowls with vegan and vegetarian options available, plus so many fun, unique cocktails. We’re proud of the service we provide via a core team of servers who’ve been with us for years and are knowledgeable about all we offer and who love our customers. We’re also proud of our ability to give back to the community through our Mahalo Mondays program which has contributed over $160,000 to local nonprofits over the past 15 years or so. We definitely cultivate a local community ethos that celebrates everything that makes Santa Cruz unique and special: our surf culture, abundant natural beauty, and local arts. We are grateful that Hula’s has found a home here.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Hula’s is a great place to throw a party! We’ve got a special event space — the Tiki Room — that holds up to 55 people. Birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations are perfect for this room and guests get their own servers and can develop a special menu that suits the occasion. There’s also a large screen (hidden behind artwork when not in use) that can stream entertainment, karaoke, power points, zoom, etc. We’ve hosted everything from World Cup and Oscar party screenings to monthly lunch meetings for local businesses. More info is on our website.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hulastiki.com/menus-1
- Instagram: @hulassc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hulassantaruz
