Chao Restaurants to donate pumpkin menu profits to Easterseals Hawaii

Chao Restaurant Group is launching a monthlong campaign across eight Oahu locations to donate 100% of profits from select pumpkin-themed drinks and desserts to Easterseals Hawaii through Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. The effort is designed to raise money and awareness for disability services for children and adults across the Islands.

Why it matters: - The campaign directs restaurant profits to Easterseals Hawaii programs that support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome. - The fundraising effort also raises community awareness for services that help families access diagnosis, therapy, coaching and adult independence programs. - All funds raised by Easterseals Hawaii remain in Hawaii.

What happened: - Chao Restaurant Group and Easterseals Hawaii launched a monthlong giving campaign starting today across eight Oahu restaurant locations. - The restaurants will donate 100% of profits from special pumpkin-themed drinks and desserts through Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. - The participating locations are Chao in Nuuanu; Nori Bar in Ward and Waikiki; Paradise Poke in Nuuanu, Waikiki, Pearl City and Hawaii Kai; and Thirty Eight in Iwilei. - The featured items are Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam, Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream from Please Come Again in Kailua, and Chilled Pumpkin Crunch Dessert.

The details: - Chao and Thirty Eight are offering Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam. - Nori Bar is selling Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream from Please Come Again in Kailua. - Paradise Poke is selling Chilled Pumpkin Crunch Dessert. - Patrick Klein, CEO of Easterseals Hawaii, said the donations help the organization continue services from an autism diagnosis to early childhood development support and adult independence programs. - Chancelor Kim, managing partner of Chao Restaurant Group, said the campaign was created to bring guests and employees together for a meaningful community effort. - Honolulu Magazine named Chao Restaurant Group its 2026 Hale ‘Aina Restaurateur of the Year in September. - Chao Restaurant Group includes Chao, Nori Bar, Paradise Poke and Thirty Eight. - The company describes Chao as contemporary Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine with a local twist, Nori Bar as an elevated casual hand roll and sushi concept, Paradise Poke as Hawaiian poke, and Thirty Eight as harbor-inspired seafood-forward dining.

Between the lines: - The campaign ties a seasonal menu push to a visible local charity, which can help drive traffic while channeling holiday spending toward a community cause. - Easterseals Hawaii benefits from both cash donations and broader exposure for its early intervention, autism and adult services. - The restaurant group is using all eight locations, not just a flagship site, which broadens the reach of the fundraising effort.

What's next: - The campaign continues through Dec. 1. - Restaurants and Easterseals Hawaii are encouraging people to follow them on social media for photos, videos, campaign updates and additional ways to get involved. - Easterseals Hawaii will continue providing approximately 720 hours of care each day to individuals and families across the state.