Get a taste of Hawaii’s passion for the SPAM® Brand
RELEASE NUMBER 19/17
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – SPAM® Katsu Sandwich, SPAM® Lau Lau and SPAM® Infused Cheeseburger are just a handful of the mouth-watering items on the menu at the 15th annual Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival on April 29, 2017. From 4 to 10 p.m. – an estimated 25,000 festivalgoers can stroll through the main stretch of world-famous Waikiki and taste-test more than 30 culinary creations celebrating SPAM® products from beloved restaurants including Hula Grill Waikiki, Duke’s Waikiki and Kani Ka Pila Grille.
“After 15 years celebrating the Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival, we’ve learned that there really is no end to the number of ways that foodies can enjoy SPAM® products,” said Barbara Campbell, Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival co-founder and vice president of retail leasing and development at Outrigger Enterprises Group. “We encourage locals and residents alike to come and experience a taste of Hawaii’s love affair with SPAM® products at this unique event, which is hosted in support of local nonprofits including the Hawaii Foodbank and Waikiki Community Center.”
This year’s participating restaurants include:
- ABC Stores
- Atlantis Seafood & Steak
- Buho Cocina y Cantina
- Duke’s Waikiki
- Eating House 1849
- Eggs ‘n Things
- Flour & Barley
- Gordon Biersch
- Hideout
- Hula Grill Waikiki
- Kani Ka Pila Grille
- Kona Grill
- M.A.C. 24/7
- Mahaloha Burger
- NOI Thai Cuisine
- OnoPops
- PF Chang’s
- Seafood Village
- Stripsteak/The Street
- Waikiki Yokocho Gourmet Alley
- Waiolu Ocean View Lounge
This year Hormel Foods is also giving SPAM® brand lovers more of what they want at two new booths, including a live cooking demo station and photo station that will feature delicious samples of SPAM® with Bacon, SPAM® Teriyaki, SPAM® Portuguese Sausage and SPAM® Hot & Spicy. After taste testing new flavors of SPAM® products, festivalgoers can take a photo with the SPAM® brand inspired props, at a one-of-a-kind SPAM® brand Wave and with the SPAMMY™ character.
While the sounds and smells of sizzling SPAM® products will fill the air, festivalgoers who are only looking to admire the beloved canned meat will have plenty of options to enjoy, including handmade ice pops, garlic fries and more. Plus, with entertainment stages featuring top local musicians as well as arts and crafts vendors stationed throughout the festival, the fun and quirky event has something to offer everyone.
Admission to the family-friendly festival is free and proceeds generated benefit the Hawaii Foodbank and other local charities, including the Waikiki Community Center and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii. Since its inception, the Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival has raised more than $148,000 and 394,391 meals to feed people in need.
As part of the Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival, Outrigger Resorts and OHANA Hotels in Waikiki offer guests checking in for the weekend a free one-category upgrade, based on availability, with the donation of a can of SPAM® product, which is then donated to the Hawaii Foodbank. For reservations, visit www.outrigger.com, or call 1-800-688-7444 and ask for the best available rate. This offer is subject to change and availability. Some restrictions apply.
Hawaii’s love affair with SPAM® products dates back almost 80 years, when the precooked luncheon meat was served to American GIs. In 2017, with billions of cans of SPAM® products sold, Hawaii continues to lead the nation in its love for SPAM® products. The most recent data suggests Hawaii residents buy nearly 7 million cans of SPAM® products per year. In 2015, Hormel Foods paid homage to the state’s love for the iconic meat by introducing SPAM® with Portuguese Sausage, inspired by the food and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.
There are several ways to stay on top of the latest details of this year’s Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival: visit SPAMJAMhawaii.com or join the Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival social community on Twitter: @SPAMJAM or Instagram: @waikikiSPAMJAM.
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