With fond aloha, all of us at Huggo’s bid farewell to Greg Peterson who has successfully managed operations and staff at both Huggo’s and On the Rocks for the past six years. Greg resigned as of June 7 to focus his attention on the needs of a sick family member. He will be missed by all of us and by customers worldwide who have enjoyed his warm hospitality over the years. Please join us in wishing Greg and his family all the very best.
“We are forever appreciative and indebted to Greg for all the heartfelt work he has put in these past six years, keeping Huggo’s and On the Rocks at the top of the West Hawaii dining and entertaining scene,” Eric von Platen Luder, president of the restaurant group, says.
On an upbeat note, Eric also announced the appointment of Matt Dykes to General Manager of Huggo’s and On the Rocks. “Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Matt to our Huggo’s ohana (family),” he says.
Matt, a native of Hilo, brings more than 25 years of experience to the post. A graduate of Oregon State University, Matt began his restaurant/hospitality career there before traveling the world with Singapore-based Como Hotels & Resorts. Among many other projects with that group, Matt opened the first resort in the tiny kingdom of Bhutan!
On returning to Hawaii Island in 2011, Matt was the very first employee hired as part of the lead opening team for our sister restaurant at Waikoloa Beach Resort, Lava Lava Beach Club.
“It’s good to be here at Huggo’s. As a child, this was my family’s go to restaurant for special occasions, so it holds lots of fond memories. My father, Jim, actually attended Punahou High School on Oahu with Huggo, so the von Platen Luders have been longtime family friends,” Matt says.
“I’m happy to be part of the team contributing new energy to the restaurant for future generations of fans – we have lots of exciting plans in the works,” he adds!
Join us in welcoming Matt to the Huggo’s ohana!