I read the news today….
and it brought a tear to my eye. I’ve had my fingertips poised at the keyboard for over an hour and am at a loss for words. And I am saddened for Ronnie and John as they made a most difficult decision to close their doors.
It was in April that I got a text from myDarlin’, as they painted shades of pale yellow and sky blue on the walls, ‘Painting at Ronnie John’s. Wish you were here! I love you!!!’ They had created a beach oasis in the middle of the city, one with an easy vibe that immediately set it apart from the others in town. We were so excited that two of our favorites - Chicken Katsu, reminiscent of Hawaiian plate lunch, made it onto the menu, along with Tuna Poke which was my personal favorite. And I was most honored when they renamed the Tuna Poke Blue Hawaii in honor of myDarlin'.
And myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope was so excited that they allowed him to manage booking the music. And their combined goal was to create a music destination, where customers knew they could always come for great music. And he installed the stage lights, built the marquee for the main sign and searched for the perfect chalkboard signage to announce the bands. During our excursions to local antique stores here in the ATL and Florida we found pieces of perfect artwork for the walls, and couldn’t wait to bring it back to them.
So the big day came, grand opening and Kona had the priviledge of playing for a full house, and myDarlin’ was grinning from ear to ear all night long. He hosted three Open Mics before it was his time to leave this crazy world of ours to join God’s house band. And we gathered there, on the patio to celebrate his life and then his birthday. His love continued to be felt as our dear friends Steve and Lesli hosted the Aloha Open Mic every Monday on the patio
Today I am grateful for business owners like Ronnie and John, that take the chances to realize their dreams and in the process help others like myDarlin’ realize his. And as the sun sets on Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille, I will always have the memory of Kona flags flying in front of the neon lit patio, hearing the smooth sounds of Kona wafting through the open windows on the patio and seeing the silhouette of myDarlin playing bass.
And I would ask of each one of our Ohana, including myself, to always consider eating and buying local whenever possible in support of our local business owners – our brothers and sisters.
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