America’s first pop-up Pac-Man cafe opens in Honolulu. Hurry, it won’t last long

Pac-Man is back, but only for a while. Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde from the ’80s video game have taken over a popular Honolulu restaurant and rebranded it as Pac-Store Hawaii.

On Tuesday, the retro video game dominated the décor, food and, of course, the play at the award-winning Bread & Butter cafe at 1585 Kapiolani Boulevard in the city’s Ala Moana neighborhood.

Japanese gaming giant Bandai Namco Entertainment partnered with the restaurant in creating the pop-up that features old and new characters (Pac Little and Pac Marie) and sells themed food, cosmetics, T-shirts and other items.

Pac-Store Hawaii is the first such venture in the United States, according to a statement.

The makeover includes an oversized Pac-Man “waiter” who greets guests at the front door. Windows covered in neon lights feature characters from the game.

Diners need tokens to play the video game and earn one every time they make a purchase.

Before testing their skills on the classic Pac-Man maze, guests can nosh on Pac-Man-shaped pancakes and cheesecake, which both look like they’re ready to chomp on fruit and floral garnishes.

Even loco moco, a classic Hawaiian dish made with white rice, hamburger patty, eggs and gravy, arrives in the shape of a ghost.

Gourmet gamers had better hurry if they want to experience Pac-Store Hawaii. The pop-up is expected to disappear at the end of May.

The restaurant is open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pac-Man made its debut in Japan and in the U.S. in 1980. More than 1 million units were sold during the first 12 months. Ms. Pac-Man arrived on America’s shores the following year.

Info: Bread & Butter/Pac-Store Hawaii, (808) 949-3430

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