Kimo’s Hawaiian Grill brings ‘a little aloha’ to Downtown Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Kimo’s Hawaiian Grill recently announced that they will be opening their second location in Clarksville. The new Kimo’s will be located on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Clarksville and will offer a more formal, sit-down, Polynesian experience.

Owner Dar Place, a U.S. Army veteran, fell in love with Polynesian culture while stationed in Hawaii. After his retirement, Dar, having been previously stationed at Fort Campbell, decided to return to Clarksville and open a Hawaiian restaurant along with his wife, Cindy, and son-in-law Chris Jeter.

Jeter, who worked in many Polynesian restaurants and food trucks while in Hawaii, acts as GM for Kimo’s.

“We are a veteran, woman, family-owned business,” said Dar.

“We have a vision and a love for the city,” he continued. “We want to bring a little aloha to Clarksville.”

The new Kimo’s will be located at 125 Franklin Street, which is currently home to Roux American. New management plans to retain the current Cajun style menu for another 2-3 weeks, at which time they hope to host a soft opening of the new restaurant with expanded hours and a new menu.

The new downtown location will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Sunday Luau style brunch. The menu will feature all the favorites from their current location, including Huli Huli Chicken, kalbi beef short ribs, and seasonal seafood dishes. Chef Steven Lang, a native Hawaiian, is excited to share traditional Polynesian recipes, some of which are over 300 years old, with the Clarksville community.

Kimo’s will offer drink options straight from Hawaii, including Kona Lion Coffee from Honolulu and Kona Brewing Company beer from Kaila-Kona.

Above the restaurant will be a new bar specializing in Tiki-style drinks. Kimo’s plans to work with other local businesses to give their new “Dive Bar,” a unique look, complete with saltwater aquariums and a naval aesthetic.

Kimo’s also hopes to partner with local Polynesian groups to offer cultural experiences such as hula classes, and lei crafting. They will hold performances in the outdoor patio space, including hula and fire dancing.

While no specific dates have been announced at this time, Kimo’s is planning a soft opening at their new location in 2-3 weeks, followed by a grand opening in 5-6 months when renovations of the new location are complete. For now, fans can find them located at Kimo’s Hawaiian Grill at 1575 Fort Campbell Boulevard.