Zippy’s Hawaiian cuisine continues Las Vegas expansion with third Nevada location
Las Vegas’s reputation as the “9th Island” is being reinforced with the announcement that beloved Hawaiian restaurant chain Zippy’s will open its third Nevada location in fall 2025, bringing authentic island flavors to Henderson near Harry Reid International Airport.
From two to three: Rapid Nevada growth
The newest Zippy’s location, set to open on South Eastern Avenue in Henderson, represents the chain’s continued confidence in the Las Vegas market. This marks the third Nevada location to open within just two years, demonstrating the strong demand for Hawaiian cuisine in Southern Nevada.
“Las Vegas has responded well to Zippy’s,” said Kevin Yim, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Hawaii-based restaurant chain. The expansion reflects not only the restaurant’s popularity but also the deep cultural connections between Las Vegas and Hawaii.
Strategic Henderson location near airport
The new Henderson restaurant will be strategically positioned on South Eastern Avenue, a major thoroughfare that provides direct access to Harry Reid International Airport and serves as a gateway to the southern Las Vegas Valley. This location choice reflects Zippy’s focus on convenience and accessibility for both residents and visitors.
“This particular location on S. Eastern Avenue is on a very busy street that leads into the heart of Henderson,” Yim explained. “This makes Zippy’s very convenient for anyone living in the southern part of the Las Vegas Valley.”
The proximity to Harry Reid International Airport also positions the restaurant to serve the thousands of travelers who pass through Las Vegas daily, many of whom may be familiar with Zippy’s from visits to Hawaii or seeking authentic Hawaiian cuisine on the mainland.
Building on successful Las Vegas presence
Zippy’s Nevada expansion began with its first location at Arroyo Crossing, followed by a second restaurant in Summerlin South. The success of these initial ventures has paved the way for continued growth throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
The Summerlin South location has already established itself as a gathering place for the local Hawaiian community and has attracted curious locals eager to experience authentic island cuisine. This pattern of community building through food culture has become a hallmark of Zippy’s mainland expansion.
Las Vegas as the “9th Island”
Las Vegas has long been known as Hawaii’s “9th Island” due to the strong cultural and economic ties between Nevada and Hawaii. This connection stems from decades of Hawaiian residents visiting, working, and relocating to Las Vegas, creating a substantial Pacific Islander community in Southern Nevada.
According to the 2021 U.S. Census, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise area reached 42,825, representing an increase of 1,295 residents. This growing demographic provides a built-in customer base for authentic Hawaiian cuisine while also creating cultural ambassadors who introduce others to island flavors.
Community building through food
Zippy’s has become more than just a restaurant in Las Vegas – it’s a cultural bridge that connects the local Hawaiian community while introducing mainland residents to authentic island cuisine. The restaurant serves as a gathering place where former Hawaii residents can find tastes of home and share their culture with friends and neighbors.
“We’ve seen former Hawaii residents bring in their friends to introduce them to our brand,” Yim noted. This organic word-of-mouth marketing has been crucial to Zippy’s success in Nevada, as satisfied customers become cultural ambassadors for Hawaiian cuisine.
Authentic Hawaiian menu in the desert
Zippy’s brings genuine Hawaiian plate lunch culture to Las Vegas, featuring the same menu items that have made it a beloved institution throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The restaurant’s offerings include traditional plate lunches, local-style comfort foods, and Hawaiian specialties that are difficult to find on the mainland.
The chain’s commitment to authenticity has resonated strongly with both Hawaiian transplants seeking familiar flavors and Las Vegas locals curious about genuine island cuisine. This authenticity distinguishes Zippy’s from generic “Hawaiian” restaurants that often offer only surface-level interpretations of island food culture.
Economic impact and future growth
The continued expansion of Zippy’s in Nevada represents a significant investment in the local economy, bringing jobs and contributing to the diversification of Las Vegas’s restaurant scene. Each new location requires local hiring and sourcing, while also attracting customers who may explore other businesses in the surrounding area.
Yim’s comment about “hopefully, many more to come” suggests that Zippy’s sees long-term potential in the Nevada market, which could mean additional locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley and possibly expansion to other parts of the state.
Filling a cultural niche
The success of Zippy’s in Las Vegas highlights the importance of authentic ethnic cuisine in a city known for its diverse population and culinary scene. While Las Vegas offers countless dining options, genuine Hawaiian food has been relatively scarce, making Zippy’s expansion particularly significant for the local Pacific Islander community.
The restaurant’s growth also reflects broader trends in Las Vegas’s evolving food culture, where authentic regional cuisines are increasingly valued alongside the city’s famous celebrity chef establishments and resort dining venues.
Looking toward fall 2025
As construction and preparation for the new Henderson location continues, anticipation is building within both the Hawaiian community and among Las Vegas food enthusiasts. The fall 2025 opening will provide another access point for authentic Hawaiian cuisine while serving the growing population in Henderson and the southern Las Vegas Valley.
The new location’s proximity to the airport may also introduce Zippy’s to visitors who can experience a taste of Hawaii without leaving Nevada, potentially creating new fans who might seek out the restaurant chain during future trips to the Hawaiian Islands.
With three locations serving the Las Vegas area, Zippy’s is well-positioned to continue building its mainland presence while maintaining the authentic island flavors that have made it a beloved institution for generations of Hawaiian families.
Category: Local News, Business
Subcategory: Community News
Date: 06/24/2025
