Kalei's Kitchenette

Mahalo The City of San Diego for recognizing our very own Khara Mangiduyos for her contributions and work to the city.

?????????????????? ???????????????? ??????????????: ?????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????????? When planning a corporate event, cost is always top of mind. But focusing only on the bottom line can lead to avoidable mistakes—ones that impact the overall experience. ?? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????? – Many companies pick a pre-set catering package thinking it’s the most cost-effective option. But here’s what usually happens: as the event gets closer, they realize they need to swap a main dish, adjust portion sizes, or change the service style to better fit their guests. Suddenly, the “fixed” package becomes a customized order anyway—often at an added cost. Instead of paying for items you don’t need (or scrambling to adjust last-minute), a tailored proposal from the start ensures you get exactly what works for your event without hidden expenses. ?? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? – Food costs are just one piece of the puzzle. The way the food is served and delivered can significantly impact your budget. For example, a buffet-style setup with staff, tables, and chafing dishes adds labor and rental costs that may not be necessary for a short, casual meeting. If a quick drop-off or a well-plated boxed meal can achieve the same goal, why pay extra? Understanding the full cost beyond just the menu helps companies avoid spending on logistics that don’t match their event's needs. ?? ???????????????? ?????????????????????????? = ???????? ???????? – At Kalei’s Kitchenette, customization isn’t about charging more—it’s about ensuring you only pay for what makes sense. A two-hour meeting doesn’t always need full buffet service with staff, and we’ll always be transparent about smarter alternatives. Great catering isn’t just about great food—it’s about great planning. And that’s where experience matters. When every detail is thoughtfully considered, you get a seamless, stress-free event that delivers quality without breaking the budget. What’s the biggest catering challenge you’ve faced at work? Let’s talk about it in the comments. ??

A year and a half ago, I left my corporate job and jumped into full-time entrepreneurship. And let me tell you—I've learned a lot. ?????? ???? ???? ?????????????? ??????????? "???????? ?????? ?????? ?? ????????????????????, ?????? ???????????????????? ???????? ??????." I didn’t want that. My husband Andy and I built Kalei's Kitchenette not just to do what we love, but to create a business that works for our life—not the other way around. Are we 100% there yet? No. But we’re moving in the right direction. And what’s helping us get there? Systems, processes, accountability, and technology. ?? Hiring & Onboarding Great businesses start with great people. That’s why we’ve built a structured hiring process to find team members who align with our mission: serving aloha through warm hospitality and thoughtfully prepared food. Onboarding is clear and consistent, with training processes that set up every new team member for success. ?? Operations & Kitchen Systems Consistency is everything in food service. That’s why every role has checklists—from opening and closing duties to daily tasks for both front-of-house and back-of-house. Our recipe cards ensure every dish tastes just as it should, while inventory tracking and waste logs keep food costs in check. ?? Marketing & Customer Engagement We don’t post on social media just when we "have time." We plan content a month out to ensure every post aligns with business goals. We also respond to every single review, good or bad, on a weekly basis. Why? Because feedback matters. And with SpotOn, our loyalty program runs smoothly, rewarding customers and keeping them engaged. ?? Technology & Automation The right tools have made a huge difference: ? QuickBooks Online keeps our finances in check. ? Starfish pinpoints the three biggest financial priorities each week. ? Tripleseat streamlines our catering inquiries, proposals, and contracts. ? Asana keeps our team on the same page, ensuring tasks actually get done. ?? Cloning Myself (Kind Of) One of the biggest game-changers? My executive assistant. Having someone to take on key tasks has freed me up to focus on growth, strategy, the big picture and take on passion projects—not just putting out daily fires. Every system, every checklist, every automation—they’re all designed to make sure the business runs smoothly without consuming my entire life. Because at the end of the day, a business should work for you, not the other way around. We’re still figuring things out, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the more systems you have, the more freedom you create. For my fellow entrepreneurs: What’s one system or tool that has helped YOU step back and breathe a little?

At Kalei’s Kitchenette, we believe that ???????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ??????????????????, ??????????????, ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????. This belief is why hosting a special Holiday Luncheon for the San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division—right in our neighborhood—was so meaningful to us. ?? Chef Andy Mangiduyos and Khara, the heart behind Kalei’s Kitchenette, were honored to connect with Captain Ramsey, the incredible officers who work tirelessly to keep our community safe, and the team from Councilmember Marni von Wilpert’s office (District 5). It was a privilege to share aloha, great food, and warm company with those who dedicate themselves to serving others. ?? The setting: A catered luncheon featuring our signature Hawaiian fusion dishes, crafted to bring people together over the flavors of aloha. From our plate lunches to crowd favorites like Huli Huli Chicken, we aimed to make the gathering both delicious and memorable. ?? The takeaway: Community isn’t just where we live—it’s something we build together. Events like this remind us of the importance of collaboration between local businesses, civic leaders, and everyday neighbors. To everyone who joined us—mahalo for allowing us to contribute to this special day. Let’s keep the spirit of togetherness thriving, one plate at a time. We’d love to hear from you: How do local businesses and organizations collaborate in your community? Let’s start a conversation! ??

?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ????????????????! ?? At Kalei’s Kitchenette, we don’t jump into partnerships lightly. As a small, family-run business, we choose collaborators who make life easier for you—and for us, that’s ezCater. This partnership now lets us deliver the flavors of Hawaii right to your event—whether it’s individual meals for your team, ?ohana-style packages to share, or trays to feed the entire office crew. Convenient, seamless, and as onolicious (delicious) as ever. ?? And here’s the icing on the cake: for the month of December, first-time catering orders get a special discount. Let us help make your next holiday gathering stress-free and memorable. See the full menu and place your order here - https://lnkd.in/giBu97Dr Mahalo for supporting local businesses—we can’t wait to serve your team! ??

Planning an event can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In our latest blog post, we dive into the "7 most common mistakes people make when planning their parties" and share actionable tips to help you avoid them. Whether you’re organizing a cozy family celebration or a mid-sized corporate meeting, this guide has you covered. ?? From managing guest lists and dietary needs to ensuring you have the right amount of food and the perfect atmosphere, we’ve got practical advice to make your event stress-free and unforgettable. ?? And if the idea of handling everything feels daunting, don’t worry—Kalei’s Kitchenette is here to help! Click the link to learn how to plan your best event yet and see how Kalei’s can support you every step of the way. Don’t miss out—make your next event the talk of the town! ??? https://wix.to/iGbLHR7

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