Providing Custom Embroidery & Apparel to Honolulu Since 1976

How it started in 1976

Harold “Bart” Bartell and Bill Thompson were partners in the boat/marine supply business when they encountered a need for custom embroidered shirts for the Waikiki Yacht Club. After several thwarted attempts to find an embroidery company near the Orient, they found a broken-down mechanical embroidery machine in Honolulu. A handshake and a promise later, they were tearing the machine apart and getting in touch with the manufacturer to repair the machine. Within 2 weeks the machine was running and the self-teaching began.

It wasn’t long before they realized the need for a local embroidery shop in the Honolulu community. Soon BB (Bart & Bill) Embroidery began automatically embroidering designs for Tori Richards, Pomare, Malia, and Crazy Shirts, to name just a few. A small 300 sq. foot space in the old Ironworks building (Restaurant Row today) was home and the business quickly became popular.

Where BB Embroidery Ltd. stands today

Over the years, BB Embroidery has expanded into the promotional products industry. Thousands of different printable products complement our embroidery offerings. Businesses large and small, clubs, organizations, military, local and federal government agencies count themselves as our loyal customers and we're grateful for all the support we've received from the Honolulu community. Speak with us today to see what we can do for you!