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Johnson Tan, pictured, and his brother John Tan close The Big Island Grill.
SBJ file photo
Johnson Tan, pictured, and his brother John Tan close The Big Island Grill.

Big Island Grill closes

Posted online

The Tan brothers closed their Hawaiian venture after less than two years in business.

The Big Island Grill, which opened at 2925 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. 105, in September 2016, closed Jan. 13, Johnson Tan confirmed. He was unclear about the reason for the closure but indicated sales were not a problem. He and brother John Tan previously operated Flo Restaurant and Wine Bar there before converting it to Big Island Grill.

“We wanted to try something different,” Johnson Tan said of the recent closure, noting the brothers continue to hold the lease but are unsure of their plans for the spot.

A Jan. 10 Facebook post announcing the closure did not state a reason.

Tan said The Big Island Grill’s eight employees shifted to the brothers’ other restaurants: Ocean Zen, 5 Spice and Yum Yum Bowl.

The Tan brothers spent $50,000 to convert Flo into Big Island Grill, which served Hawaiian-style barbecue short ribs, Huli-Huli chicken – named after a popular teriyaki-style barbecue marinade – steamed edamame and a pork burger with grilled pineapple, among other items. When it opened, the restaurant had 30 employees, according to Springfield Business Journal reporting.

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we are so sad to see the big island grill close. One of their salads was so yummy, i could taste it as we drove by. I do hope that salad will show up on the menu at another of their restaurant menus.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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