Hungry Bear Restaurant hosts grand opening in Hopi

KYKOTSMOVI-Bruce Hamana, President/CEO of Hamana Enterprises, Inc. and owner of Hungry Bear Restaurant opened the doors to his newest business on June 2. The two-story building is located on Route 2 across from the fire station.

Fred Kootswatewa, manager of the Hopi Cultural Center in Second Mesa and Kokopelli Hotel in Sedona served as Master of Ceremonies.

Marvin Yoyokie, Governor of Kykotsmovi, was on hand to congratulate Hamana on his latest accomplishment and stated, "Today is very encouraging! I am very proud to be here today to help Bruce open his new business to the community. We always need new businesses on the reservation. We need more stores, more cafes, more gas stations and service stations and more businesses. I hope the Hopi tribe and everyone responds to this."

Hopi beef hamburgers and hot dogs were served. Hamana himself provided the meat. Flute music was provided by Palmer Saufkie and special words of encouragement were given by Hamana's paternal aunt, Sandra Hamana, owner of So'oh's Arts and Crafts of Old Oraibi. A special blessing was also delivered by Carolyn Wauneka. Several bands played some tunes for the event. A group called the Country Knights-which included Hamana and fellow musicians Mark Tawahongva of Shungopavi and Kenny Quanimptewa of Hotevilla-performed, as well as the Shotgun Riders of Dilcon and the Common People of Steamboat.

According to Hamana, the Hungry Bear Restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch every Wednesday. The restaurant will also serve special dinners on Thursdays to promote Native musicians and bands. Hamana wants to recognize all Native musicians for writing and recording their own albums. All the musicians who participate will hopefully feel the positive sense of accomplishment. A musician himself, Hamana thinks they all deserve a pat on the back.

The restaurant will serve bevelpiki (Hopi blue cornmeal made into blue ball gravy) and boiled eggs for the elderly. The restaurant may also venture into different Hopi dishes and will also prepare special meals for diabetics.

Hamana also stated, "There are a lot of homeless people out there and they need to have a place to eat. Our whole intent is to feed people, especially the elderly. They deserve their own special type of Hopi food, which is the most natural, nutritious and Native. Our objective is to make a positive contribution to the community that will benefit everyone. We also want to provide jobs for the community as well. I am trying very hard to support my community and I am encouraging everyone to come over, visit, make friends, make suggestions, and to even volunteer your services."

He added, "It's always great to help small businesses develop in the early stages. I want to help the youth to start their own businesses. This can start through training, workshops and education. As a Bear clan member, this is my way of helping my people."

The restaurant's current staff members include secretary Francine Begay and cook/helper Tressa Kachinvema. The restaurant is privately owned, operated and funded. The restaurant can be leased out for birthday parties or any type of special event.

Hamana is also the owner of Hamana Leasing and Hamana Transit which he started in 1991. He currently has ten drivers who transport Hopi patients for their medical appointments throughout the state of Arizona. Some patients also travel to California, Utah and New Mexico.

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