THE INSIDE SCOOP WITH THE OWNERS OF CHINATOWN’S HOUND & QUAIL
May 9, 2017
One of our favorite Honolulu neighborhoods to eat, drink and shop is Chinatown. Exciting globally inspired eateries continue to pop up and locally owned shops abound. One such shop is Hound & Quail, a boutique with an ode to the oddities that offers an array of unique antiques and downright unusual finds for you and your home. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind items to add interest to your decor, you’re sure to find it at Hound & Quail.
We talked to shop owners Mark Pei and Travis Flazer about the boutique, collecting curiosities and their favorite neighborhood haunts…
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN IN CHINATOWN? We decided on Chinatown because it’s where the “creative” types tend to flock. It’s seedy, historic, dirty, full of entrepreneurs, up and coming, and you need to be a little crazy to start a business out here! That being said, we’re proud to be part of the community here. We are very tight and we all support each other.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? We love the buildings and our fellow businesses. Our shop is in a building built in 1912—it’s historic and full of character. There’s not a straight wall in the place! But we would take this over any new construction.
DESCRIBE YOUR MAIN CUSTOMER: Our main type of customer would have to be younger, design-oriented, and interested in owning something from the past with a “soul.” Our customer is someone who appreciates the life of past objects and the uniqueness of that object. Most of the time they’re looking for a pop piece—something they can have in their apartment or home to make it a bit interesting.
YOUR FAVORITE PIECES TO FIND FOR THE SHOP ARE: I love finding pieces that are both functional and beautiful. Lamps, chairs, cabinets, bags, etc. How great is it to find a piece that can still be used today! I get really excited about those.
POPULAR ITEMS INCLUDE: It’s really hard to pin down popular. Everything in the shop is a one of a kind. But generally, I would say bags, leather goods, lamps, furniture and natural history stuff sell the best.
WHERE DO YOU GRAB YOUR MORNING COFFEE? We’re normally so busy, I end up making my own french press coffee. I blend coffee beans and Cuban espresso.
YOUR GO-TO LUNCH SPOT: We have a bunch of spots we love. My favorite meal is the Tavern Burger at Livestock Tavern. My mouth is watering already! We also enjoy Mei Sum—it’s BYOB and the waitresses love us!
FAVORITE SHOPS INCLUDE… Our favorite shops in Honolulu include MONO, Owens & Co., Roberta Oaks, Paiko and there’s always fun finds at Barrio Vintage.
HIDDEN GEM: My most recent hidden gem would be the back courtyard at Grondin. So pretty!
AFTER WORK WE CAN FIND YOU AT… Our places to relax would include Tchin Tchin!, having a glass of wine at the shop with friends, or Campari soda at The Manifest.
