Tan brothers convert Flo into Hawaiian restaurant

The Tan brothers, restaurateurs known for Ocean Zen, 5 Spice and Yum Yum Bowl, this month opened a casual Hawaiian food restaurant at the site that formerly housed their Flo Restaurant and Wine Bar.

The Big Island Grill opened Sept. 2 at 2925 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. 105, in Claremont Commons, three days after the nearly six-year-old Flo closed.

“We just needed a change. We wanted to try something that Springfield’s never had,” Johnson Tan said, noting sales had not been decreasing at Flo, but he declined to disclose figures. “We want to bring some different styles of food to Springfield.”

Saying the menu is designed in authentic Hawaiian style, Tan said offerings include Hawaiian-style barbecue short ribs, Huli-Huli chicken - named after Huli-Huli Sauce popular in Hawaii - steamed edamame and a pork burger with grilled pineapple.

Big Island Grill staffs 30, a mix of former Flo workers and at least 15 new hires. The restaurant seats 90 inside and 50 on the patio.

Tan said he and his brother John spent $50,000 renovating the space, removing Flo’s dark red curtains and giving it a brighter vibe.

“It feels like you’re in a surf shack on the beach,” Tan said.

Ocean Zen’s former home at 600 E. Battlefield Road continues to sit on the market for sale. It’s currently listed at $1.5 million, according to its online listing with Lee McLean III of Sperry Van Ness/Rankin Co. LLC. The Tans in June 2015 relocated Ocean Zen to 4117 S. National Ave., where Mr. Yen’s had operated.