A Taste of the Ninth Island

Zippy’s opens a second Hawaiian diner location

By Jen Smith

The desert isn’t great for riding waves, but an authentic post-surf meal spot is coming to the Westside. In March 2025, Summerlin says aloha to Zippy’s, the down-home comfort Hawaiian food staple that dominates the islands. This is the second location outside of Hawaii and the second in Nevada. The first opened in 2023 at Arroyo Crossing in the southwest.

“Las Vegas has been so welcoming to our Zippy’s ‘ohana.’ We’re excited to continue serving and sharing our aloha with the community,” says Senior Regional Director Belma Soliven. “Though miles away from Hawaii, Las Vegas continues to make us feel right at home.”

The original Zippy’s debuted in 1966 in Honolulu. Brothers Frances and Charles Higa spearheaded the popular diner chain, where it now operates in 24 locations across the islands and in Las Vegas.

Dishes are available as part of the “three-in-one” dining option with an in-house retail bakery, a takeout service and a casual dine-in establishment.

Food perks also await in the Zipster’s rewards program, where new members get a free bowl of chili after their first order, among other treats for special occasions.

Several comfort classics await on Zippy’s menu. The most popular surf slap-up is the Zip Pac, a hearty meal featuring fried chicken, fish filet, Spam, teriyaki beef and a pile of rice garnished with a pickled radish slice and sprinkled with furikake seasoning.

Other menu items include oxtail soup and loco moco; various fried chicken plates; side dishes like Spam musubi; breakfast meals; and desserts like Portuguese sugar-coated malasadas and jin dui, a Chinese rice flour pastry rolled in sesame seeds. Cakes and various pastries are available from Hawaii’s own Napoleon’s Bakery, offering year-round and seasonal treats.

One signature dish that reigns in many forms is chili, which can be topped with rice, paired with Korean fried chicken, piled on spaghetti and, for adventurous eaters, garnished with a hot dog.

Zippy’s chili is available in take-home options, from single-serving pouches to a full “barrel” serving 14 people.

Portion sizes never skimp, no matter the occasion. In addition to chili, Zippy’s offers macaroni salad, rice and meat sauce by the barrel. Party platters make celebrating Hawaiian cuisine easy and delicious, and catering is also available.

Catch the signature “taste of Hawaii” in a bright orange setting with aloha hospitality just in time for spring.

The Summerlin South Zippy’s is located at 4590 S. Hualapai Way, one minute from Tropicana Avenue.

The Arroyo Crossing location operates from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, with 24-hour takeout dining on Fridays and Saturdays. zippys.com