Sale Pepe, an Italian restaurant destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina fire, reopened in March 2025 at a new Lahaina location and became the first fire-lost restaurant to fully rebuild in the town. Chef Michele Di Bari was also named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist.
- Sale Pepe reopened in March 2025 at Emerald Plaza on Kupuohi Street, marking the first restaurant destroyed in the Lahaina fire to fully rebuild and reopen in Lahaina town.
- The rebuild was supported in part by a community-organized GoFundMe that raised approximately $100,000.
- Chef and co-owner Michele Di Bari received a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.
- Maui visitors are increasingly selective about dining spending, favoring standout meals over casual restaurant outings due to rising prices.
Source: Beatofhawaii
Share this article
