New Pretend Cafe Experience Introduces Children to Hawaiian Cuisine, Culture, and Aloha Values
IRVINE, California. (October 9, 2025)- Pretend City Children’s Museum has welcomed a taste of the island with the grand opening of King’s Hawaiian Cafe, a new interactive play space that introduces children and families to Hawaiian food and culture.
At the ceremony welcomed families, Irvine city officials Melinda Liu and Vice Mayor James Mai representative, Pretend City Mayor and the King’s Hawaiian team gathered to celebrate the King’s Hawaiian arrival to Pretend City’s popular learning space. Children explored the joy of cooking and tasted Hawaiian-inspired dishes through Cooking in the City with King’s Hawaiian, a hands-on program designed to teach kids about flavors, traditions, and cultures through play.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Pretend City’s Executive Director Ellen Pais, followed by remarks from community partners and city representatives. Guests enjoyed a festive spread of King’s Hawaiian favorites, from Paradise Cake, French toast made with the brand’s signature sweet rolls to Spam musubi, highlighting the blend of island comfort and creativity that defines Hawaiian cuisine.
“Food brings people together, and that’s what Pretend City is all about,” said Pretend City Executive Director Ellen Pais. “Our partnership with King’s Hawaiian shows children that food isn’t just something we eat; it’s a way to connect with culture, community, and each other.”
“At King’s Hawaiian, we’re proud to support organizations that are making a real difference in their communities,” said President of King’s Hawaiian Restaurants along Courtney Taira. “We believe deeply in the power of early childhood education and the transformative impact of community. Our partnership with Pretend City celebrates both helping children learn, connect, and grow through shared experiences.”
The new Pretend Cafe experience invites children to step into the role of chef, server, or guest, using imaginative play to understand teamwork, hospitality, and the joy of sharing a meal. Through pretend play, and sensory learning, children can explore Hawaiian-inspired food and traditions in an age-appropriate and interactive way.
The King’s Hawaiian Café is now open daily to all museum visitors as part of Pretend City’s mission to help children learn through play, exploration, and community experiences.
Media Contact:
Maria Tinajero-Dowdle
Chief Operating Officer
949-428-3900 x 224
maria.tdowdle@pretendcity.org
About Pretend City Children’s Museum:
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children for milestones and school readiness through imaginative play experiences. Their 19 learning spaces are designed to balance playful engagement and educational experiences with holistic growth.
The museum is a hub for community resources offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and our commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
