The history of Cisco's Cantina dates back to 1973 when a mexican restaurant was opened at this address called "Ole's". Ole's remained open until 1984 when a devastating fire in the kitchen forced closure. It was then purchased by Greg Blotsky and Martha Harding who also owned "Sylverters" next door (in the current Ohana's). It was then renamed Cisco's Cantina and began serving it's own brand of "Tex-Mex" food
Right around the same time, a long lasting relationship began between a line cook and a waitress at the old "Bueno Nalo" restaurant on Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo. After Bueno Nalos' closure in 1988 both Bill Cutler and JoAnna Hernandez moved on to work here at Cisco's, where Bill continued on over the next 15 years as prep chef and manager.
With their collective talents and passion, Bill's cooking and JoAnna's artistic flair, they purchased Cisco's in the fall of 2004, and assumed ownership on January 1, 2005. The next two years brought a whirlwind of improvements to Cisco's...menu changes, and a much needed "facelift". With Bill's culinary wisdom and JoAnna's fine arts background, this evolved quite naturally, and has brought Cisco's into a new phase of simple sophistication to share with the Windward community.
Although the most recent months have been challenged by the unfortunate passing of co-owner Bill...JoAnna and the staff and management of Cisco's Cantina continue it's commitment to offer fast and friendly service, a welcoming family environment, and a new and innovative ideas within the realm of a simple, latin establishment. Gracias, and mahalo to the Kailua community, where we call home...for your continued support. Mahalo to the Kailua community, where we call home...and to all of Hawaii for your support...
MEET THE STAFF AND MANAGEMENT AT CISCO'S
 JOANNA HERNANDEZ - PROPRIETOR
JoAnna's Southern California roots show a longtime connection to the restaurant business. After working for many years at the exclusive "La Plaza" restaurant in La Jolla, California, (where some say was the birthplace of the modern margarita) her family went on to open "Hernando's Hidaway" in Lake Hodges, California. Here father grew up under the apron strings of his aunt Ramona, who owned the "Bluebird Cafe" in Eden Gardens, Solana Beach, California, for over 50 years. There is also a family connection to "Tony's Jacal" which remains right across the street from the Bluebird Cafe in Eden Gardens.
JoAnna's mother and father were avid music lovers and latin dancers. They always brought her along to the :fiestas" and "bailes" where JoAnna acquired here passion for latin music. She is committed to sharing her music with the patrons of Cisco's, and welcomes customers to add any of their latin favorites to the "house collection" of CD's.
With a college background in Fine Arts, JoAnna has also brought to Cisco's her passion for cultural arts. She continues to collect a variety of ecliptic reproduction and original pieces to share with her customers at Cisco's. She has also chosen to continue on with her jewelry design business, which she began over 20 years ago, working with non-precious metals. A longtime member of the Pacific Handcrafters Guild, JoAnna is an avid supporter of many venues within the local arts and music community.
JoAnna's favorite Cisco's dish? Chicken Chile Relleno and the Bullfigher Tacos!
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SHELLY - MANAGER
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Shelly, a single mom, graduated from Kaiser High School in 1988. She went on to receive an Associates Degree from KCC in Business. She had originally planned to become a CPA, but found herself immersed in the restaurant business by the age of 16. She worked at a number of food establishments over the next 20 year period, the last 10 years in supervisory positions.
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Shelly has been with Cisco's Cantina for 8 years now. She was hired by the original owners as a waitress and quickly took over the bar management position, taking charge of the wait staff and liquor management.Shelly gracefully and willingly took over total management duties around July 2006, a short time before the passing of co-owner Bill Cutler. This transition was difficult, yet fortunately well planned ahead of time, knowing the inevitability of his illness. She has become an active and enthusiastic liaison for all situations with the staff/owner/vendor/customer relations. This part of the business (liaison) has been the most challenging for Shelly....she's such a kind and generous person..."sometimes that gets in the way of keeping structure and order with restaurant policy", according to Shelly.
Shelly has enjoyed learning "all the ropes" of the business at Cisco's...she is definitely the most "cross trained" employee. She can whip up a "top shelf" Megarita, get back in the kitchen to grill a "Fajita Dinner for Two", go into the office and do the payroll, and most importantly, give each customer on the floor personal care and service with a smile...which is her most passionate effort...customer service.
Hopefully you will have the pleasure to meet her when you stop in to Cisco's. A few points of interest...Shelly was voted Miss Hawaii International in 1997, and she loves to play online poker...Her favorite Cisco's meal? Burrito Del Mar with Shrimp!
LINDSEY - BARTENDER & SERVER
Lindsey is currently attending University of Hawaii majoring in psychology. She studied ballet for over 17 years and is an avid surfer. She is highlighting her new bartending career at Cisco's by introducing some new specialty drinks! Ask her about them! Favorite Cisco's dish? Traditional Chile Relleno
REBECCA - BARTENDER & SERVER
Creative and artistic, Rebecca's new passion is henna body art, a form of temporary body tattooing. Ask her about LOTUS PALM CARAVAN. She enjoys live music, witty conversation, and "living off the grid" Her favorite Cisco's dish? Chicken Bullfighter Tacos, and Camarrones Vera Cruz
ROXANNE - FOOD SERVER
Roxy is currently attending Today University, studying the culture and language of Japan. She will soon be leaving to study abroad. She considers herself as kind of a "dork". She loves art and photography, "long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners". Favorite Cisco's food....Veggie Burritos with lots of Guacamole
STEPHEN - PREP & LINE COOK
Stephen is presently attending Kapiolani Community College, studying Culinary Arts. He likes to go dirt biking, but his passion is music. He began playing with the Jazz Band 5 years ago while at Kalaheo High School as a kit drummer, and continues to play now with his 8-piece reggae band PRESSURE DROP. They play here at Cisco's on special occasions! Favorite food at Cisco's? Island pork taquitos, and Paniolo Quesadilla
RAYMOND - PREP & LINE COOK
Raymond graduated from Aiea High School and attended Kapiolani Community College, also studying Culinary Arts. One of our hardest workers, he enjoys playing "Texas Hold'em" and Pipito, a 13 card game from the Philippines. He is an avid tattoo enthusiast, with a continuing story embellished on his arms.
His favorite Cisco's dish is Camarrones Del Mar.
EDMUND/DISH TECHNICIAN - FIX-IT GUY
Born in Koko Head Valley, Edmund spent his life growing up in Waimanalo.He loves to fish, using a casting and whipping pole. He says he catches mostly papio and moi. He's our gentle giant and cherished "handyman/fix-it guy". Ed will eat anything Cisco's makes with Island Pork, and he loves the Stuffed Mushrooms!
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JEN - FOOD SERVER
Jen has been attending Windward Community College for 3 years studing ftowards a nursing degree. She was born and raised in Kailua, loves hanging out at the beach, is an avid jogger and exercise buff. She loves to watch movies, especially comedies, and her favorite Cisco's food? Shredded Beef Nachos and Chicken Enchiladas.
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AIMEE - FOOD SERVER
Aimee grew up in Lanikai, and has been attending Kapiolani Community College for 3 years studying for a Business and Marketing degree. She loves to surf, go shopping, and can handle a dirt bike with ease. She loves Cisco's Island Pork Rellenos...
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DAN - DISH TECHNICIAN
Our most enthusiastic young employee, Dan is now attending Windward Community College with their Employment Training Program working toward a carpentry certification. He loves to go dirt biking in Kahuku, and LOVES Cisco's Pork Chimichangas!
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ANDREW - LINE COOK
Raised in Kailua, Andrew is a Junior at Kalaheo High. His passion is music, and is currently the bass guitar player for our "in house" reggae band PRESSURE DROP. He is an avid chef at home, and loves to make stews and Barbeque.
He also loves to eat Cisco's Fajita Burrito.
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