2004
1
$156,950
$29,900
$285,000
No
C & H Hawaiian Grill brings the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Hawaii to the mainland, offering a fast-casual dining experience that combines traditional island cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2004 by Hensan and Cora Timo in Killeen, Texas, the restaurant was born out of a desire to share the "Aloha" spirit with their community. The Timo family, having relocated from Portland, Oregon, to support their sons stationed at Fort Hood, opened the first location to provide a taste of home for their family and others. Over the years, C & H Hawaiian Grill has garnered a loyal following, known for its generous portions and authentic Hawaiian dishes such as katsu, teriyaki, and poke.
In 2021, the brand began franchising, aiming to expand its reach and share the aloha spirit with communities across the United States. With a focus on quality food, exceptional service, and a home-like environment, C & H Hawaiian Grill has positioned itself as a standout in the fast-casual dining sector.
Proven Business Model: C & H Hawaiian Grill offers a successful and replicable business model, combining quality food and services with a home-like environment.
Comprehensive Training Program: Franchisees receive extensive training, including 38 to 48 hours of classroom learning and 98 to 118 hours of on-the-job training, covering menu preparation, inventory management, and customer service.
Supportive Franchise System: The brand provides ongoing support in operations, marketing, and business development, ensuring franchisees have the resources needed to succeed.
Growing Brand Recognition: With a strong local presence and a commitment to quality, C & H Hawaiian Grill is poised for expansion, offering franchisees the opportunity to be part of a growing brand.
Established: 2004
Founders: Hensan and Cora Timo
Ownership: Privately owned by the Timo family
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining, Hawaiian Cuisine
Brand Journey & Company History:
C & H Hawaiian Grill was founded in 2004 in Killeen, Texas by Hensan and Cora Timo. The founders, originally from Portland, Oregon, moved to Texas to support their sons stationed at Fort Hood. Inspired by their Hawaiian roots and the desire to share the authentic flavors of the islands with their local community, they opened the first restaurant to provide a welcoming, home-like dining experience featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes such as teriyaki, katsu, and poke bowls.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and authentic island flavors, cultivating a loyal customer base and a strong local presence.
In 2021, C & H Hawaiian Grill transitioned into franchising, aiming to expand its footprint across the United States while maintaining the brand’s core values of hospitality, authenticity, and quality. The franchise model focuses on replicating the success of the original location while offering comprehensive support and training to new franchisees.
Market Presence:
Currently, the flagship location and its first franchise are located in Texas.
The brand is actively expanding, targeting communities across the U.S. that value fast-casual dining and Hawaiian cuisine.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Authentic Hawaiian flavors made with fresh ingredients
Family-oriented, welcoming atmosphere
Proven fast-casual dining model with scope for nationwide expansion
C & H Hawaiian Grill offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure the location aligns with brand standards.
Training Program: A structured training program consisting of 38 to 48 hours of classroom instruction and 98 to 118 hours of on-the-job training, focusing on menu preparation, inventory management, and customer service.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations, including inventory control, staffing, and quality assurance, to maintain brand consistency.
Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials and strategies to promote the franchise locally, including digital marketing, promotions, and community engagement initiatives.
Ongoing Education: Continuous learning opportunities to keep franchisees updated on industry trends, new menu items, and best practices.
The ideal franchisee for C & H Hawaiian Grill possesses the following qualities:
Business Background: Experience in restaurant management or ownership is preferred but not required.
Passion for Hospitality: A genuine interest in providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements for the franchise investment.
Location Preference: Interest in operating in areas with a strong community presence and a demand for quality dining experiences.
Commitment to Brand Values: Alignment with the brand's mission to share the aloha spirit and provide authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Total Investment Required: $156,950 - $285,000
Minimum Investment Required: 156,950
Franchise Fee: $29,900
Franchise Units: As of 2025, C & H Hawaiian Grill has begun franchising, with plans to expand across the United States.
Infrastructure Cost: Included in the total investment
Marketing Budget: Included in the total investment
Working Capital: Included in the total investment
Royalty Fees: 5.5% of total gross sales
Expected ROI: Not specified
Potential Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, catering, and merchandise sales
