Hawaiian food served in The Dalles

“I always wanted to come here,” said Jose Ruis. “It’s a bigger place and there are more people.”

For nearly three years, the Ruis’ owned and operated the Hood River Lilo’s, but they sold the business a couple years ago.

“We kept it in the family though,” Ruis said, adding that he is now in the process of buying back the Hood River restaurant.

Combined, the two have nearly 30 years of restaurant experience that appears to be paying off in a big way.

“We know how to do a lot of different things. I’ve been working in kitchens since I was 14, and I’ve learned a lot of different things from different people,” said Ruis, who is now 35.

When Jose and Maria purchased the property in May, it was operating as La Cabaña, a Mexican restaurant, and at first, the Ruis’ continued serving Mexican food.

“We had never done Mexican food and thought we’d see how it went,” said Ruis.

They operated it as La Cabaña from May through September, but on Oct. 1 it officially became Lilo’s, and Ruis said switching to Hawaiian fare has been amazing.

“It has been 100 percent better since then,” he explained.

“Our sales are up 150 percent since Oct. 1. We had toyed with the idea of closing on Sundays, but every seat was full last Sunday. The turnout has been crazy. We’re so happy.”

Lilo’s, which features a full bar, specializes in unique, often spicy items such as Kalua pig or Huli chicken; teriyaki salmon or teriyaki vegetables; and jasmine rice.

Another popular item is coconut green curry, which is rice and fresh spinach with meat or curry sauce.

One specialty Lilo’s is offering is smoked prime rib with horseradish cream and garlic mashed potatoes along with steamed broccoli, all for $15.

The prime rib is being offered Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Also intriguing are the Hawaiian-themed drinks, such as coconut/pineapple water, and for dessert, a favorite is “Huapia,” which is a pineapple and coconut pudding.

Lilo’s prides itself on serving meals swiftly.

“It’s not fast food, but it is food fast,” Ruis pointed out. “We cook it slow and serve it fast.”

According to Ruis, the customers have been fairly well balanced between people wanting orders to take out and those wishing to sit down for a relaxed dining experience.

“It’s just a mix,” Ruis said. “There are a lot of to-go orders, but definitely a lot of people sitting down, too.”

Lilo’s has five employees currently, but the number “is definitely going to go up,” Ruis said.

The couple still resides in Hood River, but it’s likely they will move to The Dalles in the near future.

“This Lilo’s is busier, and will take more time,” Ruis said.

Lilo’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, and also offers private catering services. Lilo’s can be reached at 541-296-3404.