If the Big Island economy was the proverbial glass of water, it could be viewed as half-full or half-empty. Earlier this week, we reported that KapohoKine Adventures changed locations in downtown Hilo and is doubling its staff.

While it’s good news that the company has expanded to a larger location, three other retail stores near KKA’s former location on Wainuenue Avenue have shuttered their doors for good in recent months.

Yet economic growth can be found in multiple industries island-wide.

Well-known veterinarian Dr. Brady Bergin has expanded his practice, hiring two additional veterinarians, and celebrity chef Ippy Aiona is opening a second restaurant in Waikoloa.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in the world of business around the Big Island this week.

Aina Hou Animal Hospital Expands Staff; Hours

Aina Hou Animal Hospital has expanded its staff and operating hours. The Waimea business was started by Bergin, who is well known in the North Hawaii community for his work with horses and other large animals.

Responding to increased requests for small animal services, Bergin recently hired Dr. Jenny Brundage and Dr. Kehau Noa.

Brundage, who specializes in small animal reproduction, has been in practice for more than 30 years on Oahu and the Big Island. Noa is a Maui native who specializes in small animal surgery and general large animal practice.

Also in response to increased demand, the full-service animal hospital expanded its hours and is now open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The animal hospital, which is located on 11 acres in Lalamilo Farm lots at 66-1520 Puu Huluhulu Rd., also provides 24-hour emergency services to farms and stables.

Ippy Aiona to Open Three Fat Pigs Restaurant in Waikoloa

Chef Ippy Aiona will open Three Fat Pigs, a restaurant and gastropub, in mid-March at the Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa.

“This will be Hawaii Island’s first gastropub,” Steven Schwartz, general manager of Kings’ Shops, said in a statement.

The restaurant will feature dining options such as duck confit potpies and whisky-battered lobster fish and chips, as well as a charcuterie bar offering cured meats, cheeses and homemade jams.

In the bar located above the restaurant there will be a wide variety of craft beers on tap from around the world.

The new restaurant also brings a new look to the center. A front lanai was built for outdoor cafe-style seating in addition permanent windscreens were added for comfortable dining and protection from the Waikoloa winds.

A Big Island native, Aiona grew up in the restaurant business and worked as the executive chef for his mother’s Italian restaurant, Solimene’s in Waimea, before appearing on the Food Network’s Star TV Show.

In December, he opened Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque at the Queen’s Marketplace, also in Waikoloa.

Hilo Stores Closing

Two stores in downtown Hilo are calling it quits. Blue Hydranga Boutique  & Gallery closed earlier this month. The store, which opened last April on Wainuenue Avenue, featured apparel, unique gifts, accessories, home furnishings and artwork.

Meanwhile Puff City, a bakery on Kilauea Avenue known for its cream puffs, is closing its doors at the end of the month.

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at newsdesk@Bigislandnow.com.