Michael Phillips

Founder & CEO

A successful entrepreneur several times over, Michael Phillips founded Coconut’s Fish Cafe in 2009 in Kihei, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Retired in Hawaii yet seeking a restaurant offering fresh foods and outstanding service, Mr. Phillips started Coconut’s to enjoy great-tasting meals with his neighbors in Kihei. Today, Coconut’s is revolutionizing the fast-casual restaurant sector with its fresh, healthy and affordable menu options, featuring wild-caught fish and a wide selection of fresh, authentic Hawaiian foods and flavors.

Before initially retiring to Maui in 2003, Mr. Phillips owned and operated several restaurant and retail chains in California.

Michael Phillips has served as Chief Executive Officer of Coconut’s Fish Cafe Franchise since December 2013.

Daniel Oney

Chief Operation Officer

Daniel Oney has served as our Chief Operations Officer since December 2013. Prior to joining Coconut’s Fish Cafe Franchise, Mr. Oney served as General Manager, Kitchen Manager, and head of daily operations for Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Maui.

Previously, Mr. Oney served as President of Prime Signs, LLC. Before joining Prime Signs, he lead a successful career in politics and government working for the White House and several governors. He is a graduate of the University of Florida.

Frances Oney

Vice President of Franchise Operations

Frances Oney has served as our Vice President of Franchise Operations since December 2013. Prior to joining Coconut’s Fish Cafe Franchise, Ms. Oney served as General Manager and Front of House Manager for Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Maui.

Before joining the Coconut’s ohana, Ms. Oney was a political consultant for candidates, initiatives, and campaigns. She is a graduate of Boston College.

Emily Hansen

Research & Development

Emily Hansen is an accomplished chef and restaurant professional. Having worked in some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, Ms. Hansen brings unparalleled knowledge of food and flavors to the Coconut’s ohana.

Ms. Hansen is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and the University of San Francisco.

Jamie Izaks

Marketing & PR

Jamie Izaks is President of All Points Public Relations. He began his professional career in news and public relations nearly 20 years ago. His PR work has included executive level agency management at a top national firm and in-house PR management for Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Jamie launched All Points Public Relations in September 2011 to realize his entrepreneurial dream – and to advance the dreams of other entrepreneurially spirited individuals and companies.

All Points PR supports Coconut’s Fish Cafe Franchise and its franchisees through a comprehensive marketing, advertising, and PR strategy.

Starr Mendez

Support Specialist

Starr Mendez has been integral to the success and growth of Coconut’s Fish Cafe. Ms. Mendez joined Coconut’s Fish Cafe Franchise after working at Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Maui nearly since its inception. In Maui she served as a Line Cook before tackling the role of Saucier. As the Coconut's Fish Cafe phenomenon spread, Ms. Mendez successfully grew recipes to ever increasing volumes while keeping flavors intact.

Ms. Mendez knows the Coconut’s standards and experience better than anyone and helps franchisees deliver the same great food and service to guests across the nation.