The Countdown to a Zippy’s in Las Vegas Begins

Hawaii’s first home-born casual chain is bringing its 25th location to Las Vegas, but has yet to find a precise home in the region.

The Hawaiian institution since Oct. 17, 1966, serves comfort foods in a local style with an emphasis on welcoming families. Zippy’s was created by Francis and Charles Higa and has long cultivated very strong links to Las Vegas. The owners currently participate in promotions run by Vacations Hawaii, the charter company that ferries gamblers and tourists to Boyd Gaming resorts downtown. The connection has been so strong that Zippy’s famous chili used to be served on flights to Las Vegas.

For this “Ninth Island” expansion, Zippy’s is currently looking for a 9,000- to 10,000-square-foot stand-alone space, able to accommodate a 2019 debut. The building restrictions rule out this initial move slotting into a Boyd property.

Yet to be announced, if the building will make room for its very popular off-shoot, Napoleon’s Bakery, attached to a number of its restaurants, or the full-service sushi bar found in two locations. Also to be determined, if Zippy’s will offer the same 24-hour dining hours that helped have kept Zippy’s a round-the-clock destination.

Fans can get ready next year for the “Original Recipe Chili,” fried chicken, oxtail soup, saimin, and the “Zip Pac,” stacked with teriyaki beef, Spam, Mahi Mahi, and fried chicken over rice, with a side of daikon.

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