New fast-casual Hawaiian barbecue restaurant is coming to West Nine Mile Road

Pensacola is getting a taste of Hawaii this summer with the new fast-casual Hula Hawaiian Barbecue at 2170 W. Nine Mile Road.

Hula Hawaiian Barbecue owner Michael Huang was raised on his uncle Tai’s Hawaiian cooking, particularly the Hawaiian barbecue chicken that he never seemed to get sick of.

Huang would watch carefully as his uncle deboned and sliced the chicken, then made adjustments to the heat as it cooked to ensure it brought out just the right aroma, but never burned. But even more important was the marinade, which even in a line of competitors, he can always tell is his uncle’s.

While Huang is new to Florida, hailing from California, he noticed that there is room for the Hawaiian food scene to grow in the Pensacola area. He intends to take what he learned over the past six-plus years of cooking and bring his favorite Hawaiian cuisine to West Nine Mile Road.

“I want to share the food that I grew up eating,” Huang told the News Journal.

The name itself, “Hula” is a nod to the dancers you would find at a Hawaiian luau that would bring warmth and hospitality to guests. He is hoping Hula Hawaiian Barbecue will carry on the same welcoming atmosphere among family and friends as they share a meal together. While orders will be placed counter-side, there will be indoor and outdoor seating for those looking to stay awhile.

“I wanted something that represents Hawaii,” Huang said.

While the service is fast and simple, with food served in Styrofoam take out boxes, the staff will take no shortcuts and will make the food from scratch.

You’ll see Hawaiian staples like the Loco Moco, which features rice, hamburger meat and gravy, and his creamy macaroni salad. Huang anticipates among the most popular dish will be the mixed barbecue plate with barbecue chicken, beef, short rib, rice and macaroni salad.

There will be some customization available to customers, like the amount of gravy that comes on the Loco Moco, since some like to see the egg on top, while others like it completely smothered.

“It’s very savory and saucy,” he said when describing the dish.

There will also be a handful of more elevated options, such as garlic shrimp and hefty barbecue pork chops.

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To wash it down, he'll have a line of Hawaiian Sun tropical fruit juice drinks.

While Huang’s recipes are ready to roll, he’s waiting on the needed permission to open, which he is hoping will come by June.

For real-time updates and information, follow Hula Hawaiian Barbecue on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Hula Hawaiian Barbecue coming to West Nine Mile Road