BUSINESS BRIEFS
Safeway opens on Kapahulu
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Safeway Inc., the third-largest U.S. grocery chain, will open its newest Honolulu location at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 on Kapahulu Avenue.
The company, which operates 18 stores in Hawai'i, will have a preview party for the new grocery on Nov. 8 between 4 and 8 p.m.
The store was built on the former Love's Bakery site and features a nut bar with a station for creating nut butters, a poke bar, deli and full-service bakery. The store will also have a floral department.
HAWAIIAN AIR EARNS TOP MARKS
Hawaiian Airlines' First Class service received high marks in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 10th Annual Business Travel Awards.
Hawaiian earned the highest ratings from business travelers in four of the six categories: seat comfort /legroom, food/beverages, cabin service and onboard amenities/technology.
Hawaiian's cabin service garnered the single highest score in any category by any airline.
HOTEL PURCHASE A DONE DEAL
Hilton Hotels Corp. said it had completed its purchase by The Blackstone Group and that its shares have stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange as a result.
Hilton is the nation's second-largest hotel chain and the operator of some of the state's biggest lodging properties, including the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Bloomberg News said the $26 billion including debt being paid for Hilton is a hotel industry record. New York-based Blackstone, which already owns the La Quinta lodging chain, joins Apollo Management LP and TPG Inc. in targeting hotel companies for their cash flow and real estate, Bloomberg said.
