Franchise deals and unit openings push Hawaiian Bros’ 2026 growth plan

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill continued measurable expansion in the first half of 2026 through a mix of development agreements and company openings. The Kansas City, Missouri–based plate lunch brand signed deals with experienced franchisees to support growth in Kentucky, Las Vegas and San Antonio, Texas, and opened nine locations across six states.

The company expects to sustain a rollout pace that averages more than one new restaurant per month through the remainder of 2026. At the time of reporting the brand had 80 restaurants operating across 14 states, the majority owned and run by franchisees. Nearly 300 additional restaurants are under development agreements spanning 18 states and more than 60 distinct markets.

Planned markets and second‑half openings

Hawaiian Bros listed second‑half openings planned for Atlanta and Chicago, multiple locations in Texas and Louisiana, and expansion in the greater Indianapolis market. The brand is pursuing market entry in regions where multi‑unit operators can deploy several locations rather than single units.

Franchisee profile and requirements

Hawaiian Bros' 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document reports average gross sales of $3.5 million and average labor costs of 21.4% among restaurants in the system's top quartile. Those figures provide a reference point for prospective franchisees evaluating potential returns and staffing models in top‑performing outlets. The FDD data applies to the top quartile only and should be considered alongside location specifics, local pricing, and operating expenses.

What this means for prospective partners and markets

Prospective franchisees should have multi‑unit infrastructure and a development plan for multiple sites. Markets cited for near‑term openings indicate brand focus on mid‑sized and major metro areas in the Midwest, South and Sun Belt. Operators with real estate pipelines or regional development capabilities will align with Hawaiian Bros' stated growth strategy.

Monitor announced unit openings in the named markets (Atlanta, Chicago, Texas, Louisiana, Indianapolis) to assess the brand's ability to sustain the one‑per‑month tempo. Review the full FDD to compare system averages against your own pro‑forma assumptions. For franchise developers, the company's push for experienced multi‑unit partners suggests opportunities for established operators to secure development agreements in targeted markets.