KAHULUI - Kahului Zippy's has laid off 47 workers less than a year after it opened its first Maui restaurant in August, officials have confirmed.
On Wednesday, a spokeswoman said the layoffs were the result of "adjustments in business levels."
The ongoing recession and downturn in tourism have caused numerous businesses to lay off employees or reduce their working hours. Restaurants already affected by the adverse economy include the Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar, which closed Jan. 5, and Kincha, a Japanese restaurant at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, which shut down Feb. 28.
When Zippy's opened its Kahului restaurant, it hired 120 Maui employees. Employees from Oahu also helped open the restaurant, which also includes a take-out counter and bakery.
