The two brother entrepreneurs operated the business under joint ownership during the 1950’s thru the 1970’s. The company prospered during this time based on Al’s focus on providing consistently high-quality sausages and Leonard’s marketing savvy. With Leonard’s passing in the early 1980’s, Al assumed sole ownership of the company which he then re-named as Rego’s Purity Foods.
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During his tenure as the company owner, Al became somewhat of a legend around Honolulu particularly for his fondness for rubbing silver dollars on a horseshoe and handing them out as “good luck charms”. A number of Honolulu residents still treasure their Al Rego silver dollar collections.
Scott’s continuation of the family legacy into the third generation shows the enduring appeal and success of Rego’s Purity Foods. The award-winning sausages and the sentimental value of Al Rego’s silver dollar collections highlight both the company’s commitment to quality and its deep-rooted connection with the local community.
The Rego family’s story is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Immigrating from the Azores Islands and establishing themselves in Hawaii set the stage for a unique legacy. Al Rego’s extensive experience in cattle raising and meatpacking at Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui provided him with valuable knowledge about sausage making, which he and his brother Leonard leveraged when they acquired Purity Packing Sausage in the mid-1950s.
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Leonard’s success with Leonard’s Bakery and its famous malasadas shows his skill in marketing and business growth. By combining Al’s expertise in sausage making with Leonard’s marketing prowess, they were well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry.