Established
2018
Franchise Units
84
Minimum Investment
$1,402,536
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$4,163,150
Home Based
No
Description
The Hawaiian Bros Island Grill franchise offers experienced restaurant operators an opportunity to invest in a growing fast-casual dining brand inspired by the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch. Known for its flavorful chicken dishes, generous portions, and welcoming island atmosphere, Hawaiian Bros has developed a distinctive position in the competitive American restaurant industry.
Founded in 2018, Hawaiian Bros brings the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality to everyday dining. Its menu features island-inspired favorites such as Huli Huli Chicken, Honolulu Chicken, Molokai Chicken, and slow-roasted Kalua Pork, typically served with rice and macaroni salad.
Unlike many traditional fast-food restaurants, Hawaiian Bros emphasizes a focused menu, efficient food preparation, and convenient service. Its operating model supports dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, online ordering, delivery, and catering opportunities.
With restaurants operating across multiple U.S. states and an expanding development pipeline, Hawaiian Bros is positioning itself for continued national growth. The franchise opportunity is primarily designed for established multi-unit restaurant operators seeking to develop several locations within an assigned market.
Why Invest in the Hawaiian Bros Island Grill Franchise?
Hawaiian Bros combines a differentiated restaurant concept with an operating structure designed for multi-unit expansion.
Distinctive Food Concept: Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches offer an alternative to conventional burger, pizza, and sandwich franchises.
Streamlined Operations: A focused menu with fewer than 100 stock-keeping units helps simplify inventory management, food preparation, and staff training.
Multiple Revenue Channels: Restaurants can generate sales through dine-in orders, drive-thru service, pickup, delivery, and catering.
Flexible Restaurant Formats: Development options include freestanding restaurants, retail end-cap locations, inline spaces, and delivery-focused kitchens.
Expanding U.S. Presence: The brand has established restaurants in multiple states and continues to pursue new development territories.
Multi-Unit Growth Potential: Qualified franchise partners can develop several restaurants within a defined geographic market.
Recognizable Brand Identity: Its island-inspired atmosphere, consistent menu, and hospitality-focused culture help distinguish the concept.
Background
Franchise Name: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Established Year: 2018
Franchising Since: 2022
Founders: Cameron McNie and Tyler McNie, alongside founding business partners Paul Worcester and Joel Worcester.
Headquarters: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Parent Company: Hawaiian Bros Inc.
Industry Category: Food and Beverage / Fast-Casual Restaurants / Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine
Business Model: Fast-Casual Restaurant Franchise
Active Franchise Units: 84
Market Presence: United States
First Restaurant: Belton, Missouri, opened in February 2018.
Hawaiian Bros began with the goal of introducing the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch to a wider American audience. Its straightforward menu, efficient service model, and island-inspired hospitality helped the company expand beyond its initial market.
As the brand grew, it introduced a structured franchising program focused on partnering with experienced restaurant groups. Its expansion strategy emphasizes operational consistency, strategic real estate selection, and the development of multiple locations within regional markets.
The company continues to explore growth opportunities throughout the United States, with a long-term vision of establishing a significant national restaurant footprint.
Support Training
Hawaiian Bros provides franchise partners with structured development assistance, restaurant training, operational resources, and ongoing business support.
Pre-Opening and Development Support
Franchisees receive guidance throughout the restaurant development process, including market evaluation, site selection, restaurant layout planning, construction coordination, and opening preparation.
The development team evaluates factors such as traffic patterns, accessibility, visibility, and nearby retail businesses to help identify suitable restaurant locations.
Initial Training and Restaurant Operations
The brand offers training for franchise owners, managers, and restaurant teams. Training focuses on food preparation, kitchen operations, guest service, inventory management, restaurant technology, and maintaining brand standards.
Franchisees also receive operational procedures designed to support consistent food quality and efficient service across multiple locations.
Marketing and Grand Opening Support
Hawaiian Bros provides national and local marketing assistance to help franchisees establish brand awareness and attract customers.
Support includes digital marketing, social media campaigns, promotional materials, local community engagement, and restaurant-opening marketing initiatives.
Supply Chain and Inventory Management
Franchise operators have access to standardized supply chain systems, inventory management tools, and purchasing procedures. These resources help restaurants monitor food costs, manage stock levels, and maintain consistent product quality.
Ongoing Operational Support
After opening, franchisees receive access to performance reporting, operational guidance, and technology systems that monitor restaurant efficiency.
The company also provides tools for evaluating sales trends, drive-thru service, food costs, customer feedback, and overall restaurant performance.
Ideal Candidate
The Hawaiian Bros Island Grill franchise is best suited for established restaurant entrepreneurs, experienced multi-unit franchise operators, and investment groups interested in expanding their foodservice portfolios.
Restaurant Industry Experience: Candidates should have at least 10 years of successful restaurant ownership, management, or multi-unit operating experience.
Financial Capability: Prospective franchisees should demonstrate a minimum net worth of $5 million and access to at least $2.5 million in liquid assets.
Multi-Unit Development Commitment: Hawaiian Bros generally seeks franchise partners willing to develop between 5 and 15 restaurants within an approved market.
Leadership and Management Skills: Successful candidates should have experience recruiting employees, managing restaurant teams, maintaining operational standards, and overseeing multiple business locations.
Business Development Experience: Knowledge of commercial real estate, restaurant construction, local marketing, and market expansion is particularly valuable.
Preferred Locations: The brand targets suitable U.S. markets with strong customer traffic, convenient accessibility, and opportunities for multi-unit development. Territory availability varies by state and market.
Brand Alignment: Franchise partners should share the company's emphasis on hospitality, teamwork, customer satisfaction, and operational consistency.
Financial Detail
Financial Requirement | Details (USD) |
|---|---|
Total Initial Investment | $1,402,536 – $4,163,150 |
Minimum Initial Investment | $1,402,536 |
Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
Minimum Liquid Capital | $2,500,000 |
Minimum Net Worth | $5,000,000 |
Royalty Fee | 5% initially for qualifying agreements; 6% thereafter |
Brand Advertising Fund | 3% of gross sales |
Local Marketing Budget | Currently 1% of gross sales |
Franchise Development Commitment | 5–15 restaurants |
Franchise Agreement Term | 15 years |