Our Story

Humble Family Beginnings

The Peterson Family has deep roots in the restaurant industry. Chef/Owner Cary Peterson begun his career at an early age working for his father in Mexican restaurants across the West Coast and in Hawaii in the 80’s. Through his career, he worked for various growing companies such as Chevy’s and Paul Martin’s.

In 2000 Cary moved to his hometown of King’s Beach in North Lake Tahoe with his Torrey Pine’s High School Sweetheart (now wife) Stephanie and his toddler son Connor.

A long standing, community hub since 1962, The Char-Pit was in need of new ownership. Cary purchased his first restaurant and embarked on his journey as a restauranteur. Cary worked hard to grow The Char Pit’s sales and profitability. While testing out many different promotions and marketing strategies, a crowd favorite soon begun to emerge,

TIKI TUESDAY.

Tuesday night was a night to look forward to. Cary would close the restaurant and offer a weekly promotion where he would grill on the restaurant patio for all attendees. The menu consisted of one thing: THE TIKI BURGER. A $2 Char Grilled Hamburger Patty topped with a Griddled Dole Pineapple, Melted Cheese and Homemade Teriyaki - simple, easy and DELICIOUS. Hiring local performers and even offering some occasional karaoke, Cary found himself at the center of the town’s Tuesday night.

In 2009, Cary sold The Char-Pit to his long time employee and moved to The Big Island of Hawaii. Cary begun to look for the right opportunity to begin another restaurant venture. After years of looking, Cary found his new project just 3 miles from home. A hole-in-the-wall diner in The Kawaihae Shopping Center (the same center where he worked for his father nearly 30 years prior). With his last $80 as the change in the cash drawer, Cary opened KOHALA BURGER and TACO in November of 2010. His mission was simple, he was going to serve Hawaii’s Best Burgers, Fish Tacos and Sides with exceptional Speed, Value and Accuracy.

Cary’s son Connor had just turned 14 when Cary opened KOHALA BURGER and TACO. Concerned about how working might affect his social schedule, Connor started his career in the restaurant industry at 15. He was often reluctant to work but, his experience would soon pay off when he needed a job in college at San Diego State. In 2015, one of Cary’s long time friends got Connor an interview at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, a corporate fine dining chain with a location in Downtown, San Diego. Hired as a food runner, Connor begun his 7-year career with Eddie V’s. He climbed the corporate ladder and paid his dues wearing various hats as a Server, Bartender, Corporate Traveling Trainer and Restaurant Manager. While managing at the Newport Beach location, Connor felt like he was ready to take the next step in his restaurant career. With a vision to grow and expand their beloved concept in Hawaii, Cary brought Connor on as his Partner.

Working together, Cary and Connor have developed a concept that unites the Speed, Value and Accuracy of Kohala Burger and Taco with the fun, community driven spirit of Tiki Tuesday.

We look forward to welcoming you into this cherished piece of our lives.