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As you drive down South Beretania Street, you might notice that the home of Iliili Cash and Carry looks a little different. The building still lights up the street with its signature red exterior, but inside it’s more like a grocery store than a beloved pizza and sub spot. Last month, chef Aker Briceno and his wife, Rory, shared updates about his cancer diagnosis on Instagram. They explained that they would be temporarily pausing operations of the business. But allthough Briceno may not be at the location while undergoing treatment, his spirit remains there thanks to a few friends. Farm Link Hawaii — the online marketplace that connects local farmers, ranchers and makers with Oahu residents — has taken over the space and given it a new name gifted by Briceno and Iliili co-owner, Keola Nakaahiki Rapozo: Hoiliili Market. Hoiliili means to collect or gather together, and with this new grocery store, Farm Link is making it easier for shoppers to access goods from more than 300 local farmers, ranchers, brewers, bakers and value-added producers. “Hawaii’s local food economy thrives on collaboration and co-creation. Hoiliili Market brings that vision to life — one partnership, one plate, one farmer at a time,” shares Farm Link CEO Claire Sullivan. The shelves at Hoiliili Market are lined with everything from local produce and pasture-raised meats to fresh-baked goods and artisan honeys, syrups and seasonings. In a state that imports roughly 85%-90% of its food, Hoiliili Market is a small but meaningful step toward a more sustainable food system that nourishes communities with accessible locally grown food. Shoppers using SNAP-EBT cards also receive 50% off local produce and poi through The Food Basket’s DA BUX program. Beyond groceries, there’s more for Iliili fans to be excited about — the market features a deli menu that keeps Briceno’s culinary spirit alive. Two Honolulu chefs — Chuck Wakeman (formerly of Butcher & Bird) and Robert Urquidi (formerly of Ethel’s Grill) — have teamed up to continue sharing his love of good food with the community. Each week, the deli menu features Iliili favorites like subs, soups and salads. Sandwich lovers can dig into the meatball sub ($18) made with local grass-fed beef, marinara and mozzarella, or the steak sandwich ($20) also made with local grass-fed beef, taro chimichurri, pickled peppers and creamy pesto. For something lighter, try the veggie sandwich ($16) with hummus, taro chimichurri, spicy mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and onions, or the chicken watercress sandwich ($16) layered with lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo. And for those craving the iconic Choke Garlic Balls ($18), they’re back and just as irresistible. The same recipe is served with the option to top it off with pepperoni, marinara or hot honey for an additional $1.50. There is also a grab-and-go section where you can try venison stew, duck egg salad sandwich with Mille Feté bread, and salads with locally grown persimmons and starfruit. Approximately 70% of the deli menu is made up of Farm Link ingredients, while approximately 99% of the grab-and-go section utilizes Farm Link ingredients. Both menus are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays with different sub and pizza offerings. Whether you’re looking to stock up on locally made goods or simply craving a classic Iliili sub, Hoiliili Market offers the best of both worlds — a place to shop, eat and connect. “Hoiliili Market is a place to connect — where you can eat good food and meet the people who produced it,” says Farm Link founder and CTO Rob Barreca. For updates on the deli menu, follow @farmlinkhawaii on Instagram.
