Established
2015
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Makai Island Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that brings the bold, vibrant flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to the mainland United States. Inspired by authentic island cuisine and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Makai Island Grill has positioned itself as a fresh, flavorful alternative in the highly competitive fast-casual dining segment. The brand combines crave-worthy dishes, efficient service, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere that resonates with today’s experience-driven consumers.
At its core, Makai Island Grill is built around customizable island bowls, grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, house-made sauces, and signature Hawaiian classics that appeal to a wide demographic—from health-conscious diners and families to professionals seeking quick, satisfying meals. The brand’s menu design supports strong average ticket values while maintaining speed and operational simplicity, making it an attractive opportunity for franchise investors looking to enter or expand within the restaurant industry.
With strong unit economics, growing brand awareness, and a scalable fast-casual model, Makai Island Grill continues to expand its footprint across the United States. The franchise is well-positioned to benefit from ongoing consumer demand for globally inspired flavors, fresh ingredients, and flexible dining options including dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery.
Background
Makai Island Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept inspired by the bold flavors and relaxed lifestyle of Hawaiian island cuisine. The brand was established in 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a mission to deliver authentic island-style barbecue, fresh bowls, and grilled favorites in a welcoming, modern fast-casual setting.
The name Makai, meaning “toward the ocean” in Hawaiian, reflects the brand’s coastal inspiration and commitment to fresh, flavorful food. What began as a single local restaurant quickly gained popularity, leading to multiple locations opening throughout the greater Las Vegas area. Today, Makai Island Grill operates 7+ active units, primarily concentrated in Nevada, and continues to build strong brand recognition within its core market.
The concept was developed by founders with deep roots in Hawaiian food traditions, focusing on quality ingredients, generous portions, and house-made sauces that deliver a distinctive island flavor profile. Makai Island Grill’s menu is built around customizable bowls, grilled proteins such as teriyaki chicken and kalua pork, fresh seafood options, and classic Hawaiian comfort dishes designed to appeal to a wide customer base.
Operating within the Fast-Casual Restaurant / Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine category, Makai Island Grill has positioned itself as a differentiated alternative to traditional quick-service restaurants and generic bowl concepts. While still in the early stages of national franchise expansion, the brand’s proven performance in its home market, strong customer loyalty, and scalable operating model provide a solid foundation for continued growth across the United States.
Support Training
Makai Island Grill offers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations. Support begins well before opening day and continues throughout the life of the franchise.
Pre-launch support includes site selection guidance, lease review assistance, restaurant layout and design standards, and equipment specifications. Franchisees receive detailed operational manuals covering food preparation, service standards, inventory management, and quality control.
Training programs are a key strength of the system. Franchisees and their management teams participate in structured training that covers kitchen operations, point-of-sale systems, staff hiring and training, food safety, and daily restaurant management. Ongoing training resources are provided to help franchisees adapt to menu updates and operational improvements.
Marketing support includes brand-approved promotional materials, digital marketing guidance, local store marketing strategies, and support for grand openings and community engagement. Franchisees also benefit from ongoing operational support, field visits, performance reviews, and access to a dedicated support team focused on driving unit-level profitability and consistency.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Makai Island Grill franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor with a strong desire to operate or oversee a customer-focused food business. While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory, as the brand’s systems and training programs are designed to support motivated operators from diverse professional backgrounds.
Successful franchisees typically demonstrate strong leadership skills, financial discipline, and a hands-on or semi-absentee management approach. A passion for hospitality, food quality, and team development is essential, as is a commitment to following established brand standards.
Makai Island Grill is well-suited for single-unit owner-operators as well as multi-unit investors seeking to build a regional portfolio. Preferred locations include high-traffic retail corridors, urban neighborhoods, college areas, and growing suburban markets with strong demand for fast-casual dining.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| POS System & Technology | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening & Local Marketing | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Franchise Units | Multiple Active Units in the USA |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Estimated ROI | Market-dependent, long-term growth focused |