A new Pāhoa bakery that boasts the widest selection of gluten-free, plant-based, and sugar-free delights on the Big Island is hosting a grand opening and one-year anniversary celebration.
Bananarama Bakery in downtown Pāhoa will host the celebration from December 10-12. Events begin at 9 a.m. on December 10, with sales, giveaways, and surprises planned. All in-stock items will also be 20% off on December 10 and 10% off on December 11 and 12.
“Since we only had a soft opening, we wanted to make sure we honed our service and recipes and were able to meet higher capacity before throwing a grand opening celebration,” said the bakery’s founder, co-owner and head baker, Bob Kirk, in a press release. . “Since it is now very close to our one-year anniversary, we are celebrating both events with discounts and giveaways throughout the weekend.”
Bananarama Bakery especially caters to those with certain dietary restrictions and choices, such as gluten-free, plant-based/vegan, sugar-free, and various allergies, such as to eggs and dairy. The bakery offers tasty dishes like stromboli, a wide selection of breads, and dozens of different dessert options, including local favorites like ube crinkle cookies. The business is focused on being environmentally friendly and using local ingredients and alternatives to plastic packaging as much as possible.
Having started on a small banana farm, from which the bakery takes its name, virtually all of the fruit grown on the farm continues to be used in their desserts. Although primarily takeout, Bananarama Bakery also has three small tables and a picnic bench outside for dining.
“We want to be a bakery that is welcoming to all with extensive options that customers don’t expect to find in bakeries,” Kirk said in the news release. “Our gluten-free, plant-based, and sugar-free offerings have already built a following. … We get excited when someone tells us they haven’t had a cinnamon roll in years since they went gluten free and can’t believe they’re going to have one again. Customers are also surprised when they ask what we can have that won’t affect their egg or dairy allergies and we say, ‘Everything!’”
The bakery also has unexpected items, like their all-plant-based jalapeno cheddar bread and plant-based Hawaiian sweet bread.
“Bananarama Bakery has the best gluten-free and plant-based cakes on the Big Island,” said Sharon Van Meter, World Master Chef; president of SVM Productions, which produces television shows for The Food Network; and a part-time resident of Pāhoa, in the news release. She also encouraged Kirk to branch out and open the restaurant. “They are committed to using the highest quality ingredients. Stop by my personal favourites: apricot gingerbread and their lilikoi coconut cake!”
The bakery is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday and from 9 am to 7 pm on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For more information on the bakery, click here.