Hawaiian Breakfast Daybreak: How Eric and Nicole Chang Brought Island Aloha to Utah's Fastest-Growing Neighborhood

The first thing that hits you at Moena Cafe isn't the sunset-toned lighting or the subtle tropical touches—it's the sight of those impossibly massive pancakes. "Moena Cafe prides itself on large portions, and the restaurant's pancakes are known to droop from the edges of the plate like a Dali painting," notes a recent Salt Lake City Weekly review. But step closer to Downtown Daybreak's newest breakfast destination, and you'll discover something far more compelling than Instagram-worthy plates: this is Utah's first mainland outpost of a beloved Hawaiian cafe, and it's rewriting the rules for what Hawaiian breakfast Daybreak should feel like.

"This was one of my absolute favorite meals while in the Honolulu area," raved one customer about their original Hawaii location. "You must get the Short Rib Loco Moco, and get it with the fried rice. Trust me. … Just fantastic and overall perfection. Can't wait to come back." Now, for the first time ever, that same authentic island experience has landed in South Jordan's sports and entertainment district.

From Hawaii Kai to Utah Dreams: The Chang Family's Unlikely Journey

Nicole and Eric Chang never planned to become Utah restaurateurs. Their story began in 2012 when they opened Moena Cafe Hawaii Kai shortly after getting married—a boutique breakfast spot that quickly became a local obsession in Honolulu's Marina Center. Soon after opening, they expanded to Japan in 2013 and then to Shanghai and Taiwan a few years later.

But Utah kept calling them back. Having each grown up visiting Utah, they created lasting family memories here and fell in love with its natural beauty and strong sense of community. What started as vacation visits became something deeper—they bought a second home, formed friendships, and began to see the southwest Salt Lake Valley as more than just a getaway.

"When they found Daybreak and explored the area," according to Utah Business, "Nicole felt she wanted to expand the business because Daybreak fit the 'vibe' of what Moena represented." That vibe? Creating spaces where community gathers over exceptional food, where every meal feels like a small celebration.

Eric, who serves as head chef, brings years of experience crafting dishes that honor Hawaiian traditions while embracing fresh, local ingredients. Nicole, the cafe's president, handles the front-of-house magic that makes every customer feel like ohana (family). "I believe that the success of any restaurant business is based on the satisfaction of my customers and the experience we provide," Nicole explains.

The Short Rib Loco Moco Experience: Utah's Most Indulgent Breakfast

Here's what you need to know about Moena Cafe's signature dish: this isn't your typical diner breakfast. This is a Hawaiian favorite that tops a few scoops of pillowy white rice with a gorgeous braised short rib, rich brown gravy and two over easy eggs. At $23, it's an investment, but one that pays dividends in pure satisfaction.

"I'm always a fan of moments when egg yolk dribbles its way into fluffy white rice to achieve a special kind of silky richness, and you definitely get that here," writes one food critic. "When you add some gorgeously braised short ribs and comforting brown gravy to the mix, you're getting something that feels at home for both Sunday brunch and Sunday dinner."

The technique behind Eric's short rib preparation sets Moena apart from other Hawaiian restaurants in South Jordan. The meat undergoes a long, careful braising process that renders it fork-tender, while the brown gravy carries deep, developed flavors that one chef described as having "this rich, deep demi glas gravy that made me almost want to cry from how delicious it was."

But here's the insider knowledge: "You must get the Short Rib Loco Moco, and get it with the fried rice," according to longtime customers. The fried rice upgrade adds $3 but transforms the dish entirely, creating textural contrasts that make every bite more interesting than the last.

Other standout dishes earning customer raves:

The Kalua Pork Benedict represents another masterclass in Hawaiian comfort food. "We ordered the Loco Moco, the Kalua Pig Benedict, and a cinnamon pancake to share," noted one recent Yelp reviewer, highlighting the dish's popularity among locals. Traditional Hawaiian-style kalua pork gets piled high on garlic French bread, topped with perfectly poached eggs, and finished with house-made hollandaise that arrives fresh daily.

The Banana Chantilly Pancakes deserve their own pilgrimage. "The banana chantilly pancakes with shredded [coconut] bits was absolutely a wonder. Combine this with coconut syrup, and you really have a mind-blowing pancake," gushed one Google reviewer. At $14 for one (or $17 for two), these aren't just pancakes—they're architectural marvels. The chantilly cream sauce is poured in a hypnotic spiral that covers the surface of the pancake, and it's sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes for a bit of tropical flare.

Downtown Daybreak's Island Oasis: Location and Community

Moena Cafe landed in the perfect spot for Utah's evolving food scene. Located at 11098 S. Grandville Avenue in Downtown Daybreak's entertainment district, the restaurant sits adjacent to the Salt Lake Bees ballpark and faces the UTA Trax line—making it accessible for both daily commuters and baseball fans seeking pre-game fuel.

The restaurant faces the Trax line and is adjacent to the brand-new Salt Lake Bees ballpark, the Megaplex Cinema Entertainment Center with bowling and arcade games and an open-air performance venue—positioning Moena as the breakfast anchor for one of Utah's fastest-growing entertainment districts.

The timing couldn't be better. Downtown Daybreak represents a new model for suburban development: walkable, transit-connected, and designed around community gathering spaces. Downtown Daybreak is a transformative new destination for the Salt Lake Valley, creating a model of healthy, connected and inclusive growth. Moena Cafe fits perfectly into this vision, offering a relaxed breakfast spot where neighbors can meet before catching a Trax train or families can fuel up before ballpark adventures.

The interior reflects Hawaii without resorting to tiki bar clichés. The Hawaiian influence is subtly represented by sunset-toned lighting and artfully placed succ[ulents], creating an atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming rather than theme-park artificial. "When you dine at Moena Cafe, you might just forget you're in Utah because the entire atmosphere is designed to capture the heart and soul of Hawaii."

The Utah Connection: Why Hawaiian Breakfast Works in South Jordan

Utah and Hawaii share more culinary DNA than you might expect. Both cultures emphasize hearty, family-style meals designed for sharing. Both value fresh ingredients and preparation techniques that honor tradition while embracing innovation. And both understand that the best restaurants become community gathering places, not just meal destinations.

Moena's arrival in Downtown Daybreak restaurants scene fills a significant gap. While Utah offers plenty of American breakfast options and has embraced international cuisines, authentic Hawaiian breakfast remained surprisingly underrepresented—especially the sophisticated, cafe-style approach that Moena pioneered in Hawaii Kai.

For Eric and Nicole, this isn't just about food — it's about creating an experience that honors the island traditions they hold dear. That means using fresh ingredients, maintaining generous portion sizes, and treating every customer like they're part of the ohana.

The Salt Lake Bees ballpark dining connection adds another layer of appeal. Baseball and breakfast make natural partners—think about those 10 a.m. weekend games where fans need substantial fuel that won't weigh them down. Moena's loco moco provides the protein and satisfaction for a long day at the ballpark, while their lighter options (avocado toast, acai bowls) work for fans seeking healthier pregame options.

Planning Your Visit to Moena Cafe

Location & Hours: 11098 S. Grandville Avenue, Suite 101, South Jordan, UT 84009. Open daily 7 AM to 3 PM, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or early lunch.

Transit Access: The cafe faces the UTA Trax line, with the Daybreak - South Jordan station providing convenient access from throughout Salt Lake Valley.

What to Order: Start with the Short Rib Loco Moco—it's their signature for good reason. "I think it's the loco moco that will keep me coming back to Moena," notes one repeat customer. For the table-sharing experience, add the Banana Chantilly Pancakes. First-timers should also try their daily scone—the recipe changes regularly, and recent offerings have included uala (Hawaiian sweet potato) varieties.

Timing Tips: "We came on a Sunday afternoon and luckily there were only about 6 tables occupied," suggests that mid-afternoon visits might offer shorter waits. Weekend mornings naturally draw larger crowds, especially on game days.

Parking: Located in Downtown Daybreak's entertainment district with ample parking options. Street parking and nearby lots serve the ballpark and cinema complex.

Instagram Handle: Follow @moenacafe.daybreak for daily specials and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Eric's kitchen work.

The Future of Hawaiian Breakfast in Utah

With Moena Cafe's successful launch in South Jordan, Hawaiian breakfast Daybreak has officially arrived in Utah. The restaurant represents more than just another dining option—it's proof that authentic, quality-focused concepts can thrive when they respect both their cultural roots and their new community context.

"Guests can expect to come hungry, leave happy, and fall in love with both the food and the wonderful people behind Moena Café," promised the opening announcement. Three months later, the 4.2-star Yelp rating and 4.6-star Google rating suggest they're delivering on that promise.

For food lovers throughout Salt Lake Valley, Moena Cafe offers something genuinely new: a chance to experience Hawaii's breakfast traditions without the five-hour flight. "Escape to the islands without leaving Utah!" isn't just marketing speak—it's what happens when passionate restaurateurs bring their best work to a community ready to embrace something special.

Whether you're a Downtown Daybreak resident, a Salt Lake Bees fan, or simply someone who believes breakfast should be an experience worth savoring, Moena Cafe delivers the island hospitality that Utah has been waiting for. Come for the loco moco, stay for the aloha spirit, and discover why some of Hawaii's best breakfast traditions feel perfectly at home in South Jordan.