Today we’d like to introduce you to E. Chewy Cereceres.
Hi E. Chewy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So I started cooking when I was 18 years old professionally in Chicago where I’m from. I worked for Michael Kornick, who is a famous Chicago chef and after two years I moved to Napa Valley and worked with Thomas Keller opening up Bouchon, and at Pinot Blanc with Joachim Splichal. I eventually made my way to New York City and worked with David Burke at his restaurant and became an executive chef with China Grill management. Working at restaurants. Ono, Asia de Cuba and Kobe club in Manhattan. After eight years in New York City. I made my way to Maui where I was raising my family and I opened up a Hawaiian BBQ in 2015. After Covid, I opened up a food truck and was doing the Hawaiian BBQ and after the fires of 2023 business started getting much slower and it was much harder to survive on Maui. I moved to Eugene Oregon in September 2025, and brought my business with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was very hard in the beginning, working as a cook under these amazing chefs, but I made very little money and was paid in education. This business is not for the meek and I’ve worked my butt off to get where I am, so it’s constantly not an easy road to follow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Aloha ‘aina BBQ?
I started this business over 10 years ago on Maui and I brought it to Eugene Oregon last year in September. What sets us apart from other Hawaiian places here in Eugene is the fact that we are a barbecue and we smoke fresh meats. We don’t have a lot of fried items and the flavors are definitely an Asian influence. I’m very proud of the amazing reviews that we get from our lunch and dinner menu and also from our catering services which is our growing field.
What matters most to you?
The most important thing to me with my business is that we give amazing service and then everybody’s happy when they leave. It’s very important that we have a consistent product and I teach my staff to make sure that everything goes out how I like it.
Pricing:
- $15-25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Alohaainabbq.net
- Instagram: aloha_aina_bbq
- Facebook: Aloha ‘aina BBQ
