BOULDER, Colo. — Rumbi Island Grill, a tropical fast-casual concept, is opening its fifth restaurant in Colorado.
Rumbi Island Grill's menu offers gourmet salads, rice bowls and tropical sandwiches made. Among diners' favorites are the legendary Voodoo Chicken Salad, Hawaiian Teriyaki Rice Bowl and tender Volcano Blackened Mahi.
Whenever the chain opens a store, a Hawaiian male spiritual leader holds a blessing. Franchisee Craig Held said the store opening is a themed, fascinating ceremony performed to bring success and prosperity through the "Aloha Spirit" to each of the rapidly expanding fast-casual chain's new locations.
The male spiritual leader, bare-chested and clad in the traditional grass skirt and accessories, will perform the non-denominational "blessing" ceremony at the Rumbi Island Grill site. The leader will speak in his native tongue and will perform native Hawaiian dances and songs. Unblemished sea salt, tea leaves and maile leis, flown in from Hawaii to add a touch of the islands and symbolize good fortune, will be used in the blessing.
"We are delighted to have Siaosi Talitimu perform this authentic island blessing as we open our doors to the city of Boulder," said Held. "It's the perfect way to release our restaurant oasis to local diners. We can't wait to give our Boulder-area patrons an opportunity to let the fresh tropical flavors and relaxing, vintage decor of Rumbi Island Grill wash over their senses."
Rumbi Island Grill's flagship restaurant was launched in Salt Lake City, Utah, in May 2000. Since then, the company has opened 15 more locations across Utah, Arizona and Colorado. The first Colorado location debuted in November 2005 in the Denver Tech Center. Its grassroots appeal and unique fare have helped Rumbi Island Grill enjoy a steady expansion throughout the region.
