About

Once upon a time ...

We began as two Southern California picture framers selling our work at the
Orange County Fairgrounds Flea Market, dreaming of something more.  In 1986, while vacationing on Maui, we fell in love with the historic town of Lahaina.  Evening walks along Front Street, sunset views, and oceanfront dining sparked an idea, one simple comment about craving a truly great cheeseburger changed everything.

We returned home, but the idea stayed with us.  Soon after, we made the bold decision to return to Lahaina and open a restaurant.  We believed a cheeseburger could be more than a meal, it could be the centerpiece of an experience.  Inspired by the culture of the time and a sense of fun and
indulgence, Cheeseburger In Paradise was born.

Entering one of the most challenging industries with no prior restaurant
experience, we took a leap of faith.  With the support of family and friends, we sold our business, packed up our lives, and moved to Maui.  We learned quickly, often the hard way, but our passion and commitment carried us forward.

In 1989, we opened the first Cheeseburger In Paradise on the oceanfront in
Lahaina, guided by the simple idea that great food, our favorite music, along with Aloha Hospitality create unforgettable memories. The restaurant where the waves hit the building quickly became wildly popular; a local and
international favorite.  In 1997, we expanded to Waikiki, opening on one of the most iconic beaches in the world, where it remains a beloved landmark today.

Our journey didn’t stop there.  Driven by the same adventurous spirit, we
expanded into craft brewing with the launch of Waikiki’s first and only
Craft Brewery, Waikiki Brewing Company. We are humbled that WBC is
stacking up statewide and national awards and we are proud to serve you our
core beers right here.

So here it is, Cheeseburger In Paradise… and we built it just for you. What began as a bold idea became a celebration of our Dreams and Adventures In Paradise. We are grateful to the exceptional team who helped bring this vision to life, including Doug Rainey, and our daughter, Leah Gartner.  
Their dedication has shaped our success from the very beginning.

We invite you to relax, enjoy your meal, and share in the dream that started it all.  It is our pleasure to welcome you to the only Cheeseburger In Paradise in America, where Aloha Matters.

Aloha
Laren Gartner and Edna Bayliff