With two locations in California and three in Las Vegas, Matiki Island BBQ has made a name for itself with its Hawaiian barbecue offerings. What Now last checked in with Matiki Island BBQ back in April, 2023, when the brand was at work on its second Las Vegas location. Since then, it’s launched an additional location. Now, as the brand works to upgrade its Jones Boulevard location, the Matiki team is also preparing to launch two brand new restaurant concepts.
One is opening at 3430 E Tropicana Ave, Suite 6: Uncle Mel’s Island Kitchen. Mel’s will be kind of homecoming, as it’s opening in what used to be the home of a Matiki Island Grill, before it moved nearby.
“Uncle Mel’s is going to be a fusion of all the islands,” Riandra Doda, a partner in Matiki Island Grill, told What Now on Thursday. “There will be dishes from Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, and some Hawaiian as well.”
Uncle Mel’s will be open for breakfast and lunch, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days a week. Its opening is imminent so keep an eye out for the Uncle Mel’s launch.
The second new restaurant, which will open in what is currently the home of the soon-to-move Matiki Island BBQ at 5697 S Jones Blvd, Suite 160, is another brand-new concept called Aunty Riki’s Late Night Eats.
“That will be more of a late-night place, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., set to open in January 2026,” Doda said. “It’s more of an island bar food/street food concept.”
What Now is awaiting further details on both restaurants; stay tuned for updates!
