WHAT`S HAPANING

WHAT’S HAPANING
STAFF NEWSLETTER - HAPA IZAKAYA - WINTER 2013
See Hapa’s 10th Anniversary Photos:
O
n Nov. 20, 2013, Hapa Izakaya celebrated its 10th anniversary as a leader in modern Japanese dining.
300+ loyal guests, friends, family, staff, and generous suppliers took over Hapa Robson for a night of eating,
drinking and an exciting oyster shucking competition, featuring Vancouver’s top chefs.
Hapa Izakaya operates six locations throughout Vancouver and Toronto. Hapa’s newest locations include Coal
Harbour in Vancouver, College Street in Toronto, and in Ritz Bar, Ritz Carlton Hotel Toronto.
The company continues to evolve the original Japanese izakaya, updating Japanese tapas with fresh local and
Ocean Wise sustainable ingredients. Since opening its first location on Vancouver’s Robson Street in 2003, Hapa
has offered a fun and stylish izakaya experience, with delicious modern Japanese cuisine paired with an extensive
and creative cocktail, wine and sake list.
Hapa Izakaya is proud to have been recognized as “Top Five Izakayas In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine;
and to top “Industry and Readers Choice” Georgia Straight awards for Best Japanese in 2012 and Best Izakaya in
2013; and “Best Casual Chain, Silver” by Vancouver Magazine in 2013.
Hapa Toronto has reopened!
H
apa Izakaya on College Street has officially opened its doors again after extensive repairs caused by heavy floods earlier this year.
Renovations included replacement of the flooring, roof components and lighting
fixtures.
The Hapa Toronto family want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and
well wishes shown over the past months.
Keep in touch via Facebook facebook.com/hapatoronto and Twitter @hapatoronto
Tis the Season for Giving!
F
illed with the spirit giving, Hapa showed their support to
those in need this holiday season.
During two Sunday afternoons this month, our staff lovingly
prepared 1,000 paper bag lunches and served them with
warm smiles to people living in the Downtown East Side
This generousity does more than fill empty bellies, it offers
a message of hope and the possibility of recovery.
More of events of this nature are upcoming in the New Year.
Volunteers and donations are eagerly welcome.
If you wish to help out, please contact Kevin Banno at
[email protected] for more information.
In support of the efforts to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan, Hapa Izakaya donated $1
from every edamame dish sold within Hapa’s Vancouver locations, between Friday,
November 15 and Monday, December 9 to the Canadian Red Cross.
“Our hearts are saddened by the tragic devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan”, says
owner, Justin Ault. “The Hapa family stands with their staff, friends and guests who
have loved ones affected by the typhoon and hope this small gesture will provide
some comfort to those greatly in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Donations collected will support the Canadian Red Cross to provide urgently-needed
basic services to affected communities. This includes carrying out search and rescue
operations, distributing food, and mobilizing items like blankets, clothing, hygiene
kits and sleeping mats.
To make a personal donation to the Canadian Red Cross, visit redcross.ca/donate.
What people are saying:
“Great & yummy times were had by all in our group at Coal Harbour. Many thx for the attentive service. #xmasparty”
- @mimilinyoung Dec 07, via Twitter
“Great deals on great stuff during Happy Hour! Perfect place to stop when you’re walking Robson St.”
- Katrina M. Woodinville, USA, Dec 04, via Yelp
“Intelligent quality tapas with subtle variations on classic themes. Consistently notable, attentive servers.
My favourite night out on the west side.”
- Edgar Lau Dec 06, via Open Table
“I think it should be re-named Happy Izakaya, I/we have been to this location many times and it never disappoints.
the food is amazing and so is the serving staff, friendly, bubbly and yet professional! A very unique place!”
- Karl Eibensteiner (Yaletown) Nov 27, via Open Table
HAPA BEACH
K
itsilano is pumping up for some
exciting changes, set to be unveiled
in the New Year.
The transformation is already under
way, which includes a more casual and
fun approach to dress, decor, tapas and
drinks.
W
e want your Hapa photos!
We are working on a featured
“Heart of Kits” photo wall and need
your Hapa photos.
Beach shots, goofy faces, and
memorable moments welcome.
Send us your Kits memories to
[email protected]
Arigato!
HAPA AT THE RITZ
Have you checked out Hapa’s newest location in Toronto?
Hapa’s izakaya-style menu is now offered at the the exclusive
Ritz Bar inside The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.
Overlooking David Pecaut Square, Ritz Bar is centrally located
in the heart of downtown Toronto only steps from the city’s
performing arts district, sporting and entertainment venues
and core financial centre. With an extensive sommelier selection of wines by the glass, bespoke cocktail menu and diverse
local and international sake list, Ritz Bar is the ideal place for
an after work gathering or social event.
For information visit ritzcarlton.com/toronto.
The new menu will continue to offer
Hapa favourites, such as Beef Tataki
and Ebi Mayo, a wide variety Ocean
Wise sushi, and new dishes such as
Kobe Beef Sliders, Teriyaki Thin Crust
Pizza, Halibut & Chips, and Teppan
Steak Frites.
Stay tuned for more info at
hapaizakaya.com
Sapporo Contest
Big congratulations to Jinhee Kim
(Robson), Miyuki Kassai (Kitsilano),
and Terri Fellows (Coal Harbour),
on winning Hapa’s Sapporo selling
contest last November!
For selling record pints of beer
they each won beautiful Sapporo
iPod speaker.s
Thanks to all our staff for
participating and putting in the
hard work to get our Sapporo
sales up!
Keep up the good work team!
JAPANESE
Merīkurisumasu
- “merry christmas”
Though Christmas is not a
national holiday in Japan, Xmas
has become a holiday for people
to spend time together and
exchange gifts. Parties are held,
decorations adorn cities and
Christmas cake, a white sponge
cake covered with cream and
decorated with strawberries, is
often consumed.
メリークリスマス(
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Christmas Closures
December 24
December 25
New Years Closure January 1
Dine Out Vancouver Festival January 17 - February 3
Way to go “Keith”
Congratulations to Keita Eguchi for
obtaining his permanent residency!
Valentines Day
February 14
good job; good work
WE WANT
TO HEAR
FROM YOU
I
f you have any comments, ideas,
special events, fundraiser ideas or
recommendations you would like to
share with us, please contact:
Jade Pover | Marketing Manager
E: [email protected]