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Sirwilfred's Hawaiian Coffee
In the same year, the Burton’s took over a storefront in the Azeka’s Place, in Kihei. That location was open from June 1979 to June 1981. In 1984, Maui Mall gave Sir Wilfred’s an option to move to a location with 2000 square feet, two doors down from the original store. With the help of some friends, especially Nick Matichyn, a restaurant took form. They used the eucalyptus floor from the former dress shop they were now occupying, and created a beautiful bar. Sir Wilfred’s served healthy sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, espresso, drinks and had a full bar menu. They served breakfast and lunch choices daily. Anyone who visited Kahului from August 1984 to September 1994 would remember the “best lunch on Maui”.
The restaurant walls made space for local artists to display their work. They had receptions for artists such as Phil Gronquist, Piero, Eddie Flote and many others. They had a new art show every two months. Eventually, Bill asked Phil Gronquist to coordinate the scheduling of exhibits. Many grand opening parties took place, with live music entertainment and of course, food and drink. Bill’s love of music, especially Jazz, lead him to encourage musicians to play in the store. Phil Rivera helped organize a program of musical entertainment. Phil and Bill put their heads together and formed the Maui Jazz Society, which produced many concerts and festivals. Bill’s favorite was the booking of Dizzy Gillespie at The Maui Prince.
Sir Wilfred’s also held fundraisers for the community, including one for Pop Warner Football in Wailuku, because their football uniforms had been stolen. A musical event with 14 bands raised $3,000.00 for the kids. Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance. It was their first fundraiser and it was very successful.
In 1986, The Lahaina Cannery Mall project took form with the help of Marc and Nancy Chesick. A beautiful new store was built with a walk-in humidor and coffee bar. The store in the air-conditioned mall was an immediate hit. Bill spent most of his time in Lahaina, which was mostly tourist, while Cathy managed the Kahului store, which was 80% local. In 1997, the Maui Mall store was sold so the Burton’s could concentrate on the tourist commerce in Lahaina.
In 2002, Whaler’s Village in Ka’anapali became a reality after Bill and Cathy moved from their 24-year home in up-county Kula. Becoming “west-siders” was a profitable move. The village is an extraordinary shopping area right on Ka’anapali Beach and surrounded by resorts. Their retail store is located just downstairs from the famous whale skeleton and a few steps from their kiosk, which sells quick breakfast items, espresso, smoothies and even hot dogs. It also features a cyber-station with internet access. Sir Wilfred’s in the open-air mall is a great place to light up a fine Big Kahuna cigar, have a cup of Kona coffee and listen to Jazz on a Sunday night. Most evenings at Whaler’s Village offer live music right in front of Sir Wilfred’s door.
Many changes have taken place since 1976, but the fact remains that Sir Wilfred’s has a reputation for serving and selling the finest Hawaiian coffee available. Island gourmet coffee of the highest quality is always purchased for fresh roasting. Sir Wilfred’s offers the finest cigars and unique accessories with two retail stores.
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