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The Right Slice Update

Aug 18, 2020

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?!?

There are several reasons for that.  First, we finally seemed to get into a groove mid July and got a handle on the changes and our adaptations to living in a Covid 19 world.  Second, I had a conversation with a very supportive customer who told me she was impressed that I hadn’t complained too much on our blog.  I sure don’t want to be a complainer!  I am more of a doer!  And finally we were in the midst of rehiring and retraining to the current procedures.

I brought back my staff, well, whats left of them.  From 12+ down to 4 just like that.

In preparation for the opening of Hawaii August 1, all of my staff were rehired mid July.  Of course, then Hawaii did not reopen, but I chose to keep my people working, even though it is only part time.  Some staff chose not to come back, that they would rather stay home and collect unemployment.  To each his own.  Another long time staff member took another job.  I am so grateful for her years of dedication to TRS and am happy to see her in a position with hours she loves and a secure position, even in Covid times.  That is all I could hope for for any of my TRS Ohana.  When they were first laid off back in March, I told them all that if they could find a job to take it because I had no idea what would happen.  Little did I know that this would still be the case 5 months later!

Then there are the 4 hard working women who remain.  TRS would not be running smoothly these days without them and I am grateful each and every day.  I only wish I could do more for them.  Two shifts a week is not enough to get by on here on Kauai…but its all we have right now.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that Kauai will NOT reopen September 1.  Oahu’s Covid cases are getting out of control.  We have had a couple of small clusters here on Kauai, but most all of it has been travel related.  Those things combined with our State’s inability to get the testing and infrastructure together to reopen safely is a sure sign of our lengthening shut down.

Last night we also got the devastating news that Young Brothers, our only major interisland shipping company, has received approval for a 46% rate increase.  This is a devastating blow for all outer islands.  It will likely be the straw that breaks many small businesses backs after the last 6 months of struggles.  Here at TRS we are lucky to have a small stockpile of supplies on hand because it has been so slow recently, but there will be some major adjustments in the coming months.

What those changes are, is hard to say.  I am still wrapping my head around it.  Many times when we order disposables our shipping is 80-90% of the cost of the goods themselves.  With this new increase the shipping will far exceed the cost of the goods.  It will be challenging to make pies with no pie pans.  Maybe it’s time for Galettes?!?  Or hand pies?!?  hmmmm….the posibilities!

 

But, it is what it is.  I have said that before and I will probably say it many times again.

We are in this together, there is not a lot each of us individually can do…but together, as a whole, we will survive this.

Please don’t get me wrong.  I am not complaining.  I am stating the facts as they pertain to my little Kauai pie world.  Cold, hard truth…the next 4 months will be significantly worse than the last 4.

As it relates to TRS pies directly…

We are still open M-F noon until 6 pm.  Saturday 10-4.

We are still offering free deliveries to Lihue once a week and to the south side on Friday evenings.

We have returned to the smaller Kukuiula Culinary Market for the time being.

We are continuing our Kapaa, Kilauea and Princeville deliveries once a month in conjunction with the Princeville Night Market each Second Sunday of the month.

In coming weeks it is very possible that you will see the return of the Slice Devices to our Kalaheo location as we try to accommodate our customers schedules.  Our pie vending machines have been a big hit in the past.  We have had them in storage for the past few months as we worked through our current adjustments, but I am in the beginning phases of reintegrating them into our business plan.

We are still unable to ship pies to the mainland, as UPS is still not guaranteeing shipping.

Pie times are tough.  Please don’t be sad.  Just support us how you are able!  Share our FB posts, comment on our online photos, spread the word.  All of those things can be done with no financial investment.  Spreading the positive pie vibes is often worth more than the dollar!  We are strong.  We will survive.

Today I only want to update my most supportive pie peeps on the current situation here on the ground in Kauai.

Keep kind thoughts in your hearts, support your local small businesses when and how you are able and by all means, stay safe and healthy!

 

A hui hou!

 

Sandy

4 Comments

  1. Eleanor Snyder

    We are wishing the very best for you and your crew Sandy. Galettes, hand pies? Who knows? Whatever you make we will buy.

    Aloha

    Ellie

    Reply
    • The Right Slice

      Ellie-

      I see your comments have been approved. Not sure what is showing on your end, but all looks good from this side! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Diana

    Its been a few years since I visited from Seattle but still dream about your delicious pies! Please let me know when you begin shipping to the main land again and I’ll place an order right away.

    Reply
  3. Sean A.

    My girlfriend and I were lucky to have traveled to Kauai in July from O’ahu. Before coming back, we stockpiled on frozen pies to bring back with us. So far, we’ve eaten coconut cream, beef Wellington, and tropical banana. We just had the tropical banana tonight. My family enjoyed it, and my girlfriend commented on how sad she was that she couldn’t have any due to her diet. All the pies we have eaten have been very good, especially the coconut cream. We still have in our freezer chicken pot pie, macadamia nut, and pumpkin. I think that’s what we have, but what do I know. I forgot we got banana and thought it was apple. Haha,. Thank you for providing us with delicious pies to keep us going during these tough times.

    Reply

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Kalaheo Hawaiʻi Bakery

Monday - Friday

11:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday - Sunday

10:00am - 5:00pm

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Phone

(808) 212-5798

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Address

2-2459 Kaumualiʻi Hwy
Kalaheo, HI 96741