Renowned chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa will open a restaurant at the Waikiki Parc Hotel in December, owner and operator Hotels & Resorts of Halekulani announced yesterday.

Construction of the 7,500 square-foot restaurant, Nobu Waikiki, is scheduled to begin in June after the May 31 closure of the hotel's 71-employee food and beverage department, including the Parc Cafe and Kacho restaurants.

The company said in addition to offering a severance package, it is prepared to assist affected employees in securing other employment, including at the Halekulani, and that they will be given priority in interviewing for positions at Nobu Waikiki.

"The decision to provide our guests with a new and enhanced dining experience at Waikiki Parc Hotel was not made without extensive study and consideration — especially in light of the impact on many of our longtime employees who have been extremely loyal and giving over the years," said Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Hotels & Resorts of Halekulani. "As part of our decision-making process, we looked into a number of ways to minimize the job-loss impact on our employees."

Nobu Waikiki will be in the hotel's lobby and include outdoor dining and a sushi bar.

The restaurant is part of a larger project to redesign and reposition the 297-room hotel. Matsuhisa has 11 restaurants, including those in London, Tokyo, Miami Beach, Beverly Hills and New York City.