Wrapping Up 2024: A Look Back at an Incredible Year at Honu Bakery

As we close out 2024, we can’t help but reflect on what an amazing journey this year has been for Honu Bakery. It’s no secret that taking over a bakery with over 20 years of history comes with big shoes to fill, but with the support of our team and customers, we’ve made it a year to remember. Stepping into this role was both exciting and challenging. There was so much to learn—from the intricacies of our beloved Turtle Bread recipe to understanding what makes our bakery such a vital part of the community.

But one thing became clear early on: Honu Bakery isn’t just a place to grab bread, pastries, or cakes; it’s a local institution where memories are made. Customers who’ve been coming to us for years still bring their families, and we even see familiar faces from neighbor islands and beyond. As a team, we knew we had to honor that legacy while also making updates to keep the bakery thriving in a changing world. And thanks to the hard work of our employees and the loyalty of our customers, we’ve been able to do just that.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ve accomplished this year:

What We Achieved in 2024

1. Upgraded Our Internal Management Systems

   • No more tracking everything on Excel or dealing with handwritten payroll! We introduced a new system that handles HR, Time Tracking, and Payroll, making things smoother and less stressful for everyone.

2. Better Communication

   • We switched to Slack, so we’re no longer juggling iMessages and texts for important updates. It’s made staying on the same page so much easier.

3. Smarter Production Planning

   • Using data from our POS, we’ve gotten much better at planning how much to bake every day. Less waste, more happy customers!

4. Daily Reminders and Task Automation

   • We’ve started using tools to automate reminders and tasks, keeping things more organized and making work a little easier.

5. Shift Leaders

   • We set up a shift leader system to help newer employees learn from experienced team members.

6. Better Tracking for Orders and Inventory

   • We created logs to track cake orders, daily inventory, and pre-orders, so nothing gets missed.

7. Joined Big Local Events

   • This year, we teamed up with Hawaii News Now to celebrate their anniversary with a special cake and hosted a pop-up at Hawaiian Airlines’ headquarters.

8. Fresh New Website and Social Media Presence

   • We launched our new website, started posting regular blogs, and connected with even more people on Instagram and TikTok.

9. Upgraded Coffee

   • We got a new coffee machine and partnered with a new roaster to improve our coffee offerings.

10. Tuned-Up Store Hours

    • We adjusted the South King store hours to better fit customer demand and also cut unnecessary costs.

11. Employee Hangouts

    • We brought the team together for some fun this year with a 20th Anniversary Dinner, Young Employees Game Night, and our first Honu Award Night.

12. Holiday Specials

    • After a two-year break, we brought back the much-loved Kabocha Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving and added some festive cakes for Christmas.

While we accomplished so much this year, we are also preparing for an even bigger year ahead. From exciting upgrades to expanding our reach and enhancing what we offer, we’re setting the stage for a 2025 that’s all about growth and giving back to our amazing community. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon:

What’s Coming in 2025

1. New Technology with Toast

   • We’re bringing in a new POS system that will allow online ordering, loyalty programs, gift cards, and better ways to connect with customers. Over 70% of our customers come back regularly, and we want to make it even easier for them to enjoy their favorite cakes and treats.

2. A New Location

   • We’ve started exploring neighborhoods for a third location. Our goal is to find a spot where Honu can really be part of the community and make life sweeter for everyone nearby.

3. Wholesaling Turtle Bread

   • Our iconic Turtle Bread might be coming to more stores across the island! We’re working on a plan to wholesale this beloved item so more people can enjoy it.

4. Brand New Cake Designs

   • We’re giving our cake lineup a fresh look! Many of our cake designs will be revamped to bring a modern and exciting feel while keeping the same great taste. Additionally, we’re restructuring cake sizing to better fit our customers’ needs, ensuring there’s something for every celebration.

Mahalo!

We can’t say it enough—thank you to our team and our customers. This year wouldn’t have been possible without your support and hard work.

To wrap things up, check out this short documentary by the talented Moanalua High School MENEMAC team. It tells the story of Honu Bakery, from its beginnings to where we’re headed next.

Here’s to an even sweeter 2025!

- The Honu Bakery Team-