Hawaiian Bros Island Grill Takes #18 Spot on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” List

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, the fast-growing, island-inspired brand known for its Hawaiian plate lunch, has been named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, earning a ranking of #18 on the prestigious industry roundup. The list recognizes 100 restaurant brands that are shaping the future of the fast-casual segment through innovation and growth.

“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for the fourth consecutive year and especially proud to rank among the Top 20 brands in 2026,” said Shannon Scott, Chief Marketing Officer for Hawaiian Bros. “This recognition reflects the tremendous momentum our brand continues to build across the country, and the dedication of our franchisees, team members and support staff who bring the Aloha Spirit to life every day. From our craveable menu offerings to the welcoming guest experience our restaurants provide, we’re committed to delivering something truly special, and we’re grateful to see that commitment recognized by the industry.”

The 2026 honorees were celebrated at Fast Casual’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers Awards Gala, held in Chicago. Each year, hundreds of brands apply for consideration through an editorial nomination process, which includes insights on brand performance, innovation, technology, marketing, and community engagement. Finalists are reviewed by a panel of industry experts.

The Hawaiian Bros franchise opportunity is designed for seasoned operators with proven success in restaurant or hospitality management. The ideal franchisee candidates are established multi-unit owners with at least 10 years of operational experience in QSR brands or similar concepts. Hawaiian Bros consistently attracts groups eager to diversify their portfolios and join a fast-growing, high-demand concept with minimal competition in its category.

The franchise opportunity is also supported by a streamlined menu that prioritizes island-inspired flavors, featuring juicy chicken or pork glazed with sweet, savory, or spicy sauces; macaroni salad; a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or vegetables; and for dessert, a smooth and tropical Dole Soft Serve®. The simple menu is prepared without freezers, fryers, or microwaves, using only the highest-quality, freshest ingredients.

To learn more about Hawaiian Bros, visit the company’s website at www.hawaiianbros.com. For more information about opening a Hawaiian Bros franchise, visit hawaiianbros.com/franchising.

At Hawaiian Bros, we’re inspired every day to share the Aloha Spirit. It shapes how we work, connect, and grow together. Our core values of Mutual Respect, Harmony, Gratitude, Integrity, Innovation, and Fun guide how we show up for one another, our guests, and the communities we serve.

We believe in doing what is right, showing appreciation often, and bringing curiosity, creativity, and joy to everything we do. Together, we create memorable experiences that invite guests to return and to share the Aloha Spirit with others. Hawaiian Bros owns and operates nearly 100 restaurants serving the Aloha Spirit in 14 states across America.

Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since its founding in 2018, including a number one spot on Ingram's Corporate Report of the Top 100 fastest-growing companies and the number seven spot on QSR Magazine's 40/40 List of America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals. Hawaiian Bros has been named QSR Best Brands to Work For and is a multi-year Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers winner. For more information about Hawaiian Bros, visit www.hawaiianbros.com.

An island-inspired fast-casual franchise rooted in the Aloha Spirit—delivering craveable plate lunches, simple operations, and strong unit economics for scalable, multi-unit growth.