KAHIKI WAFTS SINGLE-SERVE FROZEN MEALS TO RETAILERS

JENNIFER QUAIL

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Following the recent success of its frozen family-size entrees, Kahiki Polynesian Supper Club has created a line of single-serve, prepackaged meals for the retail trade.

A local institution here, the Kahiki has been serving Chinese, Polynesian and American cuisine to area locals and visitors for more than 36 years. Its first retail venture came in the form of three family-size prepared entrees, which hit the retail shelves about eight months ago.

Officials said the company recognized a strong market demand for international cuisine, particularly Asian dishes, in food stores, and set out to provide its five-star restaurant quality creations through retail channels. Reaction to the family-style meal solutions was good and so Kahiki decided to take the endeavor one step further.

"We expanded the line when we introduced the single-serve entrees," said Glen Weaver, food-service sales manager for Kahiki. "With more options, we can appeal to a larger portion of consumers."

Released about a month ago, the single-serve line offers six meal options -- Thai Style Chicken Noodle, Chicken Fried Rice, Sesame Orange Chicken With Steamed Rice, Sweet and Sour Pork With Steamed Rice, Beef and Broccoli With Steamed Rice, and Chicken Szechuan Noodles. The suggested retail for the individual entrees is $2.49.

Weaver said the restaurant-quality meals are prepared in Kahiki's own U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved manufacturing facility located adjacent to the supper club. Having its own processing plant has allowed the company to offer an entirely new range of Kahiki cuisine -- and that freedom led to the development of the family- and single-serve frozen entrees.

Kahiki opened its doors in 1962 and moved into the wholesale business in 1988 by offering frozen-food items such as egg rolls to grocery stores and institutions.

Officials said Kahiki cuisine can currently be found in the deli case or frozen-food section of such area stores as Big Bear, Cub Foods and Kroger Co., and is aggressively spreading nationwide.