If you’ve ever flown to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines you’ve surely tasted the addictive pineapple shaped, premium shortbread cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Co. “The family-owned business started modestly in 1998 when entrepreneurs Keith and Janet Sung developed a recipe for premium shortbread cookies. As an artist, Keith wanted to develop something unique – a cookie that represented true Hawaiian hospitality. What he created was a line of island-inspired flavors in a signature pineapple shape. The recipe has been refined over the years, but HCC always carry through that dedication to quality ingredients inspired by the flavors of their island home.”
“From their bakery, stores opened throughout Honolulu, particularly in Waikiki, to ensure the hospitality that inspired HCC cookies was delivered to visitors from around the world. Eventually, HCC found homes and opened new locations on Maui, in Las Vegas, and in Guam.”
“Each progression is informed by a commitment to sharing the best experience of a Hawaiian vacation. The cookie collection packages are designed to delight, and the stores are eager to share the Aloha spirit, but it all begins with the cookies. The finest ingredients are selected to make their unique pineapple-shaped cookies to be shared with friends and fans around the world.”
“Pineapples are the international symbol of hospitality. In fact, HCC’s iconic cookie shape was originally chosen for this reason. Their cookies are designed to be given as gifts, a way to celebrate a meeting of old friends or new acquaintances by sharing something sweet.”
Closer to home Honolulu Cookie Company boutiques are located in Bloomingdale’s stores and at Tony Bahama retail stores. In Las Vegas there is a full service, traditional HCC retail store located at The Link.
Ryan Sung, representing the 2nd generation of proud Family ownership, joins us to tell the story of the Honolulu Cookie Co.