About Us

Our chef "Jay" Cruz has been involved in the Pacific Cuisine movement practically from the start.  Born in Guam, Jay grew up in the Big Island with his family.  Jay worked with several local chefs that were innovative in the Hawaii regional cuisine.  Jay left Hawaii with his wife Natalie and relocated back to the Pittsburgh area years ago with the dream of opening their own Hawaiian style restaurant in Pennsylvania.

Partner and real estate developer, Jon Perry has been buying and renovating commercial and residential properties in the Pittsburgh market since 2001.  Born and raised in Waimanalo, Oahu, Jon followed his passion of owning a business and left Hawaii at the age of 22 to pursue his dream.  While living and working in New York, Jon met his wife Karen from Pennsylvania and they now live in Pittsburgh, PA.  

One fateful day, Karen had to go to a job interview at a hotel and was super-nervous.  The hotels general manager, "Jay" comforted Karen and offered her help.  Karen thanked Jay and remembered what a great guy the manager was that helped her calm down for her job interview, which she nailed.  That weekend the stars aligned and both families ended up attending the same Hawaiian Wedding.  Jay was cooking the food and Jon was asked to sing a Hawaiian song while their friend Pikake danced hula for the couple.  Karen introduced Jon and Jay and the rest is History.

Hapa in Hawaii means half-breed or mixed breed. The owners are Hapa and their kids are Hapa.  The name Hapa in Hapa Hawaiian Grill was carefully chosen because it allows our chef and cooks the opportunity to explore exciting and exotic new dishes and specials from the entire Pacific Rim.  We hope you enjoy our flavors from Hawaii and the Pacific Rim as much as we love making it for you. Aloha :)