What happened...?
The Original Me BBQ
Since 1992, Me BBQ has been serving locals and visitors in Waikīkī with authentic Korean flavors. Our story is one of family, hard work, and community support built over three decades. Recently, another restaurant began operating at our former location using a similar name, which has caused confusion for some customers. We want to share the truth so you know where the real Me BBQ lives on today.
We're a family-owned business that has proudly served Waikiki since 1992. In 2023, we received a notice to vacate our former location at 151 Uluniu Avenue, which led to its closure.
Two years post-closure, following extensive construction and planning, we celebrated our reopening at the new address: 2427 Kuhio Ave, on April 16th, 2025.
Our Original Sign
However...
As we were preparing to reopen, we learned that
"HANUL BAR-B-QUE" was opening at our former location.
(March 7, 2025)
Just a few days later, on march 13 2025, They had completely changed their name to "Me Bar-B-Que".
Some images and a lightbox remained on the wall after we moved out of our former location. Those items are still on-site at the old address and have contributed to confusion about which restaurant is the original Me BBQ.
Lightbox left at our former location (still on-site).
They also told customers that they had taken over our name, which is not correct. Some were even told that we had passed away and that they had taken over our business. We have video documentation of these statements.
They installed a new sign calling themselves the "Original," which added to customer confusion. Later, they attempted to claim our Google page, creating risk to the reputation and history we’ve built over 30 years.
We were shocked to discover that the new restaurant at our former location was opened by the owner of Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak, a business that had operated just steps away from us for many years. Even more troubling, some customers told us they were given explanations that left them unsure about which restaurant was the original. After three decades of hard work, seeing this confusion surrounding our name and history has been deeply disappointing.
Through challenges and changes, one thing has always remained the same — our dedication to serving delicious, authentic Korean food with the warmth of family. We are grateful for the support of our community over the past three decades, and we look forward to welcoming you at our new home on Kuhio Avenue as the one and only original Me BBQ.