Kalei's Kitchenette

This holiday season, ????'???? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ??????????'?? ?????????????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???????? Marine Toys for Tots Foundation! We believe every child deserves a little holiday magic, and we’re dedicated to making that happen right here in San Diego. As parents of two young daughters, this cause is particularly meaningful to us. We understand the joy of unwrapping a special gift, and it’s heartbreaking to think of any child waking up on Christmas morning without that excitement. That’s why we’re committed to making a difference this year. Toys for Tots, established in 1947 by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has become a remarkable movement that collects millions of toys for children in need. Their mission is straightforward: gather new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to kids who might not receive anything during the holidays. We’ve set up a collection point at our restaurant and invite everyone in the community to help spread some holiday cheer. You can drop off your donations at Kalei's Kitchenette at 9926 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129. We’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 619-738-4731. And here’s the exciting part: you don’t have to limit yourself to just store-bought toys! Homemade gifts are welcome too! Think about what would make your own child smile. For younger kids, board games and art supplies are fantastic options. For pre-teens and teens, consider items like sports equipment, backpacks, or fun gadgets. Just a quick note: we prefer not to accept realistic-looking weapons or food items, as those can’t be distributed. This initiative is more than just collecting toys; it’s about building a stronger community together. By participating in Toys for Tots, we can teach our kids about empathy and generosity while making a real difference in the lives of children who need it most. So let’s come together this holiday season! We invite you to stop by Kalei's Kitchenette, drop off a toy, and be part of something truly special. Together, we can ensure that no child in San Diego misses out on the magic of the holidays. Let’s make this season brighter—one toy at a time!

?????????????? ?? ???????????????? ??????’?? ???????? ?????????? ???????????? ?????????? ????????—it’s about building a brand, staying visible, and working smarter. This week, I had the opportunity to attend brightonSEO at the Grand Hyatt San Diego—a venue with special meaning for me and Chef Andy Mangiduyos as it’s where we both worked and first met. While my primary focus today is Kalei's Kitchenette my background in digital marketing continues to shape how I approach running a business. The conference was packed with insights, from the timeless truth of creating content for humans (not just algorithms) to the evolving impact of AI and large language models (LLMs). For small business owners like me, AI can be a powerful tool to streamline tasks, spark creativity, and overcome technical challenges. It’s all about embracing it as a complement to your work, not a replacement. It was also a joy to reconnect with industry peers, including my former CEO from my days in a digital marketing agency in Silicon Valley Milestone Inc. These connections and experiences have been invaluable in shaping how I help Kalei’s Kitchenette grow—and how I support fellow entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of running a business in today’s digital-first world. For anyone juggling multiple roles, my advice is simple: keep learning, embrace new technologies, and lean on your past experiences to guide your current passions. You can carry multiple titles and interests—it’s all about weaving them together to thrive.

Reflecting on our collaboration with Buchanan Brand + Design in early 2023, we see how important it was to build a strong brand identity before opening Kalei's Kitchenette. It's more than just a logo and colors; it's about the feelings people get when they see our brand. Investing in this was truly worth it. Bobby Buchanan and Cass were amazing partners, guiding us every step of the way with their knowledge and talent. They helped us express who we want to be, and you can see their touch in our storefront and all our printed materials. This collaboration has been key to creating the authentic experience we offer our community. For a closer look at this journey, check out the case study Buchanan Design shared https://lnkd.in/gnaMWwwW Andy Mangiduyos Khara Mangiduyos

Reflecting on our collaboration with Buchanan Brand + Design in early 2023, we see how important it was to build a strong brand identity before opening Kalei's Kitchenette. It's more than just a logo and colors; it's about the feelings people get when they see our brand. Investing in this was truly worth it. Bobby Buchanan and Cass were amazing partners, guiding us every step of the way with their knowledge and talent. They helped us express who we want to be, and you can see their touch in our storefront and all our printed materials. This collaboration has been key to creating the authentic experience we offer our community. For a closer look at this journey, check out the case study Buchanan Design shared https://lnkd.in/gnaMWwwW Andy Mangiduyos Khara Mangiduyos

?? ?????????? ???????? ?? ?????????????? ?? Khara from Kalei’s Kitchenette recently had the pleasure of catching up with Wesley Quach a long-time friend and supporter of small businesses in San Diego’s Asian community. Our journey together began in 2018 when Kalei’s first set up as a vendor at the Convoy District Night Market, an event Wes led. Since then, our paths have crossed at various community events, each reinforcing our shared commitment to uplifting local enterprises. We reminisced about the vibrant energy of local events, where entrepreneurs showcase their passion and bring communities together. Wes has been an incredible advocate for our growth—he even attended our first-anniversary festival, where we welcomed 600 guests, and shared his excitement for future celebrations! Beyond his event leadership, Wes contributes significantly to the Asian Business Association San Diego (ABASD) and the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network both vital in supporting small businesses. On a personal note, congratulations to Wes on the upcoming addition to his family! Wishing him all the best as he embarks on the journey of parenthood. #CommunitySupport #SmallBusiness #SanDiegoEvents #KaleisKitchenette #AAPICommunity #Inspiration #ABASD #SBDC

Khara Mangiduyos recently attended the ?????????? ????????????????, ?????? ??????????: ???????????? ???????????????????? ?????????? at the new Mostra Coffee location in Torrey Hills. Hearing Mostra’s journey from a small garage start-up to a rapidly expanding and internationally recognized brand was truly inspiring. Mostra, a ???? Filipino-owned business, has made its mark on the coffee industry, now boasting multiple San Diego locations including San Diego Airport T1. Networking events like this, hosted by the Asian Business Association San Diego and San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network highlight the importance of building strong connections within the community. It’s a chance to exchange ideas, find mentors, and support one another’s growth. For small businesses, these events create invaluable opportunities to share stories and celebrate the wins of local entrepreneurs—reinforcing that together, we can amplify each other’s success. Mahalo Yvonne Gao, MBA for leading the event. As Mostra continues to grow, their commitment to quality and community shines through, making their story an empowering example for aspiring entrepreneurs.

???? ???????? ?????? SpotOn ??????????????! At Kalei’s Kitchenette, we’re not just upgrading to the latest technology — we’re partnering with ????????????, a company that truly gets what the hospitality industry is all about. They understand the hustle, the long hours, and the dedication it takes to create memorable dining experiences. ??? With their hospitality-focused tools, we’ve streamlined our operations, offering you faster service, contactless payments, and a smoother experience from start to finish. Their team has been where we are, and that’s why they know exactly how to support us in delivering the best to you. ???? We’re thrilled to work with a company that speaks our language and is committed to helping us grow. Mahalo Jet Bunditwong for making the transition seamless. Come by and experience the difference with our upgraded SpotOn system!

Mahalo for having us! ????????

???????? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? ????????????????: ?????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????’?? ?????????????????????? For those of you in hospitality, have you ever wondered what it would be like to take the skills you’ve honed in the hotel industry and apply them to your own business? That’s exactly what Chef Andy Mangiduyos and Khara Mangiduyos have done at Kalei’s Kitchenette. Back in their hotel days, they saw firsthand how the dynamics between kitchen and catering could be, well... let’s just say, a little tense at times. The chef focused on the food, while the catering manager made big promises to clients, leaving everyone scrambling to deliver. It wasn’t always easy, but somehow, it worked—most of the time! Today, Chef Andy leads the charge in the kitchen, bringing his expertise from years in top hotels to the vibrant menu at Kalei’s. Khara, with her experience from hospitality, manages the many moving parts of their growing business, from planning to execution. Together, they’ve discovered that the skills they developed in hotel operations—attention to detail, managing customer expectations, and thinking on their feet—are the same skills that help them thrive in their own venture. It’s been a rewarding transition, full of challenges, yes, but also full of opportunities to bring everything they’ve learned to the table (literally). For anyone else thinking about making the leap from hospitality to entrepreneurship, trust us, those experiences go a long way.

New at Kalei's Kitchenette: ???????? ??????????! We’re proud to now offer Noms Candy, a delicious treat with a story as unique as its flavors. What started as a hobby in a Mililani garage during the pandemic quickly turned into one of Hawaii's fastest-growing candy brands. Founded by a group of millennial friends, including Olympic softball star Kamalani Dung, Noms blends the irresistible flavors of li hing mui powder and lemon peel for a sweet-sour sensation. Their products have become a staple across Hawaii and beyond, selling in major stores like Foodland, Longs Drugs, and even outlets in Guam and Las Vegas. Stop by Kalei’s Kitchenette today and grab a bag of Noms to enjoy a taste of Hawaii right here in San Diego!?