Dusty Grable

Dusty Grable is a Hawai‘i-born entrepreneur and restaurateur whose journey began in the tight-knit community of Kailua. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Dusty was drawn to service from a young age—eschewing a traditional college route to live and volunteer in Chicago’s Humble Park, one of the most underserved communities in the country at the time. There, his understanding of humanity, empathy, and purpose deepened, shaping his perspective far beyond what he’d imagined.

Returning home, Dusty entered the restaurant industry to support his pursuit of an art degree, only to discover a stronger calling in hospitality. He rose through the ranks at fine dining establishments in Hawai‘i before moving to San Francisco, sleeping in cars and showering in hostels while interviewing at his dream restaurants. It was in these years that Dusty sharpened his craft and built a vision for what leadership and hospitality could look like back home.

That vision came to life in 2012 when Dusty returned to Hawai‘i to co-found Lucky Belly with chef Jesse Cruz. The two built a trio of successful restaurants in Honolulu’s Chinatown—Lucky Belly, Livestock Tavern, and The Tchin Tchin! Bar—all grounded in quality, community, and culture. When Dusty stepped away from the businesses to focus on family, he didn’t leave the industry behind.

He co-founded Lovers and Fighters, a collaborative group focused on building hospitality spaces that foster growth, mentorship, and cultural connection. Now, with several new concepts across Honolulu and an educational nonprofit underway, Dusty continues to redefine success—not through expansion alone, but through the impact his leadership has on people.

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