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Why do savvy multi-unit operators choose Hawaiian Bros — and what makes the Hawaiian Bros franchise cost so attractive?
Scalability, economics and simple, streamlined operations are just a few reasons why Hawaiian Bros is the investment for you if you’re a multi-unit owner. Let’s explore some commonly asked questions — and the answers that will help you decide if adding a Hawaiian Bros franchise to your existing portfolio is right for you. For instance, what makes the unit economics attractive for operators looking to grow? Keep reading for more on that and other essential topics.
How is Hawaiian Bros designed for multi-unit scalability?
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill franchise is built for multi-unit scalability, starting with a streamlined menu that keeps operations simple and consistent, which means better product quality, greater supply continuity and consistency. An efficient kitchen setup supports speed and ease of execution, while a smaller footprint allows for flexible real estate options across different markets. Combined with systems designed to be easily replicated, the model makes it straightforward to grow across multiple locations.
Specifically, we have five building formats to deploy across your market:
- 250 sq. ft. ghost kitchens
- 1,500 sq. ft. inline
- 1,500 sq. ft. endcap drive-through
- small 1,600 sq. ft. drive-through only with a 10-seat dining room
- standard 35-seat standard flagship with 2,100 sq. ft.
What makes the unit economics attractive for operators looking to grow?
Strong AUV potential ($3.5M for the top 25%*) and a simplified labor model help keep Hawaiian Bros franchise costs in check. In fact, top quartile franchised locations achieve an average Prime Cost (cost of goods sold + total labor) of 46.5% Prime Cost. Operational efficiencies support healthy margins, while the overall ROI potential compares favorably to many traditional QSR concepts, making it an attractive opportunity for scaling.
How does the brand reduce operational complexity across multiple locations?
There are several ways Hawaiian Bros franchise reduces operational complexity across multiple locations.
- Hawaiian Bros’ limited menu means easier training and consistency.
- A standardized processes creates consistency, improves efficiency, and makes it easier to scale operations while maintaining quality across locations.
- Reduced inventory needs and a more straightforward supply chain make it easier to manage multiple units efficiently.
What kind of support does Hawaiian Bros franchise provide to scale beyond the first unit?
Hawaiian Bros is built to help you grow beyond your first unit, with support every step of the way:
- Apply our site selection analytics to identify optimal locations and guide market planning toward the right entry strategy
- Development guidance and project management spans the lifecycle — real estate site selection, construction, and new restaurant opening
- A full training team that works with franchisees for several weeks around their opening
- Marketing support (We’ve launched over 20 new markets, each supported by 10 weeks of marketing and media)
- Grand opening strategies
- Ongoing operational and performance support
- Infrastructure designed for efficient multi-unit scaling
What makes Hawaiian Bros well-positioned for long-term growth in the QSR space?
Hawaiian Bros franchise is known for its fresh, made-in-house-daily Hawaiian plate lunch, a differentiated concept in the QSR space. According to William Marin, a franchisee, “Hawaiian Bros’ streamlined menu allows for efficient operations and higher average unit volumes compared to many legacy QSR brands.”
Customers love its menu of island-inspired meals too — like Molokai Chicken, Pacific Island Salad and Pineapple Luau Sliders. (In fact, Hawaiian Bros is at the top of the industry when it comes to customer satisfaction and quality: 650,000 customers have led to an average rating of 4.7 stars!) No freezers, no microwaves and no fryers on site. (Did you know that, without fryers, there’s less equipment to purchase and maintain, lower energy usage, and no need to manage or dispose of cooking oil — not to mention easier, faster cleaning?) And with significant whitespace availability and flexible buildouts, the Hawaiian Bros franchise opportunity is made for multi-unit ownership.
What makes Hawaiian Bros a good fit specifically for experienced operators?
Hawaiian Bros is a strong fit for experienced operators because it’s built with scalability in mind and avoids the complexity of full-service restaurant models. Its streamlined operations make it easier to manage and grow efficiently, while also creating an opportunity for operators to build and expand a regional portfolio of locations.
Ready to learn more about Hawaiian Bros franchise ownership opportunities and Hawaiian Bros franchise costs? Fill out this form to speak with our Franchise Development team.
*This figure represents the average gross sales of the top 25% (top quartile) of 8 franchised Hawaiian Bros Island Grill restaurants that were open and operating for the entire 12-month period beginning December 30, 2024, and ending December 28, 2025, as disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The average gross sales for the top quartile was $3,517,715, with an average prime cost of 46.5% (25.1% COGS and 21.4% labor). Across all 51 company and franchise locations, the average unit volume (AUV) was $2,370,164 for the same period, while the 30 franchise-operated restaurants achieved an AUV of $2,505,301.