Franchise Deep Dive: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept that serves what it refers to as “fresh and delicious” foods that pay “homage to classic Hawaiian comfort food.” Hawaiian Bros was founded in Belton, Missouri in 2018 by brothers Cameron and Tyler McNie , who spent 15 years working together in their family’s Hawaiian grill business on the West Coast.

Hawaiian Bros offers a wide variety of menu items , including favorites like the Huli Huli Chicken with teriyaki sauce and the Luau Pig, inspired by authentic island meals.

In 2022, the brand was ranked on Inc.’s list of Inc.’s “ 5,000 Fastest-Growing Companies .”

As of June 2023, there are more than 40 Hawaiian Bros locations open and in development throughout the United States. The brand is actively seeking to expand throughout the Midwest, Central and Southeast USA.

Menu and operations

Hawaiian Bros has a “simple and focused” menu, which only consists of 81 food-and-paper stock keeping units (SKUs). This limited menu allows for efficient operations and a streamlined supply chain, enabling the brand to deliver its offerings with speed and consistency. Additionally, the brand invests in building both dine-in and drive-thru experiences to cater to varied customer preferences.

Hawaiian Bros places emphasis on only bringing experienced industry veterans to its team. The brand carefully selects franchisees who possess a broad range of successful restaurant operational experience to ensure its owners have the necessary expertise to run multiple locations effectively.

Expansion plans

The brand is primarily seeking multi-unit franchise owners for expansion. While the minimum development commitment for franchisees depends on market size, the brand is typically seeking individuals who are capable of opening between five and 15 locations.

According to the brand’s franchise site, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country. In 2022, the brand saw over $100 million in revenue across 37 locations.

Financial performance

Between December 27, 2021, and December 25, 2022, more than 50% of Hawaiian Bros restaurant owners achieved gross sales of at least $3,533,055.

Hawaiian Bros requires prospective franchise owners to have at least $2.5 million in liquid capital and a net worth of at least $5 million.