Anna Miller’s Was Iconic

Or is it still? I never fully knew just how big Anna Miller’s is or was. Outside of Hawaii, did you know Anna Miller’s saw popular growth in Japan. Was the appeal the food, the “big pie racks,” the diner ambiance, or those fitted uniforms of the waitresses? All of the above no doubt. In Japan, there were a string of Anna Miller’s locations which have been closing their doors over the past two decades.

In Hawaii, all I can remember is the single Anna Miller’s location by Pearlridge, sharing the parking lot with Circuit City Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I’ve only eaten there a handful of times. Instead, they were the source of pies. Going to a party? Pickup a pie or two from Anna Miller’s. And of course, you knew when strawberry pies were in season with that huge banner on display. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of the pie tin.

Sure, I thought the waitress’ uniform, especially the cut and fit of them, were a bit… odd. But since they’ve been the same for so long, you kinda just accepted that’s how they were. Little did I know the iconic impact these uniforms had on the Japanese culture. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “big pie racks.”