Aloha to all our friends and Ohana… It has been a major eight years in my life as a restauranteur, as a leader, and as a husband and father in this community.  THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us on our journey over the years, and especially to everyone that came out to wish us farewell this last month and final few days.  I cannot put into words the love and appreciation that we’ve have received (although I will try).

I want to thank, first and foremost, our amazing staff. Uncles is indeed an Ohana that’s because of the staff that have graced us with their heart, sweat and tears. We’ve had some amazing people walk thru our doors over the years and no matter in what era you were here, you will always be a part of our Ohana. I am so humbled by our closing staff especially, who showed me everything I’ll ever need to know about love and integrity. During our closing month, from the day we informed them, EVERY SINGLE employee stayed with us until the end!  Not only did we maintain our entire staff, but during that last month (which was bonkers busy!) everyone worked with positivity and professionalism.  WE maintained our standards until the very last moment.  WE brought Aloha into the food we prepared and the way we served it.  WE will always be Ohana. This group of staff will always have my upmost respect and forever be in my heart. It is my memories of all of you, and the Ohana that we became, that I consider to be my crowning achievement from this endeavor.

Thank you to our farmers, purveyors, distributors and sales reps for helping us bring this vision to life in Fallston, Maryland. You are a part of our team as well, and many of you are bonified Ohana.

Thank you to all our loyal supporters. I always believed that we had something special at Uncles… but whenever I doubted YOU were there to remind me how special we are.

Without the love from the community we never could have made it these eight years. You showed up for us when we first opened, you came through for us in a big way during the pandemic, and you helped us close this chapter with our heads held high. The amount of love and kind words we have received during our eight years and over the last month has been humbling. It has validated everything that we do, and everything that we believe in working in the hospitality industry.  It has personally helped me find closure during an emotional period and all I can say is from the deepest bottommost parts of my heart… THANK YOU.

Thank you to my fellow founders… Jeff Cowart and Kaimana Chee for having the courage to bring Uncles into Harford County. We set out to create something special, something with a soul.  We sought to share Hawaiian food and culture with the world, and we did just that right here in the greater Fallston community. Kaimana, you are the embodiment of Aloha Spirit. In just eight years, you’ve taught me a lifetime’s worth of culinary and hospitality expertise. You cook like you live, with authenticity and aloha and its evident to everyone that you encounter. I am grateful to Uncles for bringing our paths together, as I know we will always be connected from here on out.

And last, but certainly not least… Thank you to my Hawaiian Queen Pohaikealoha.  YOU inspired me to bring Food, Drink and Aloha into our community.  YOU have supported me and been strong for our family when duty called. YOU have kept me focused on what really matters in life. Without you I would have never been brave enough to open Uncles, nor wise enough to know when to close her.

Uncles restaurant and bar is officially closed, but Uncles is more than the four walls of this building.  Uncles is ono grindz and aloha spirit. Uncles is the people and personalities who have all imprinted upon us.  Uncles restaurant is closed but Uncles is here to stay.  Uncles will live on as a Catering company providing both private and public (Food Truck?!) catering services.  Stay tuned for more updates… We will see you again soon.  A Hui Hou!

Mahalo and Aloha,

Kosmas “Tommie” Koukoulis

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