Hawaiian Bros Island Grill plans to expand to Jacksonville and other Florida cities over the next few years as part of a business deal to enter the state.
Through the brand’s agreement with Southern Rock Restaurants LLC/Southern Rock Hawaii LLC, 52 total restaurants are expected to be developed within six years in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa, according to a news release from Hawaiian Bros Island Grill. The deal will bring 24 of those restaurants in three years.
“We see tremendous opportunity for it in these outstanding Florida markets,” Southern Rock CEO Max Piet, who is leading the development, said in the release.
He described Hawaiian Bros as “a rapidly growing brand built around a simple, proven model, strong culture, and commitment to exceptional hospitality.”
The brand is an “island-inspired restaurant concept known for its Hawaiian plate lunches,” according to the release.
Hawaiian Bros prepares its food without freezers, fryers or microwaves, according to the company. The menu includes glazed chicken and pork, white rice, macaroni salad, vegetables and Dole Soft Serve frozen dessert.
The menu includes glazed chicken and pork, white rice, macaroni salad, vegetables and Dole Soft Serve frozen dessert.
Special to the Daily Record
A ‘milestone’ for Hawaiian Bros
Piet and the Southern Rock team lead about 200 restaurants in 13 states as McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisees, according to Hawaiian Bros.
The deal is one of Hawaiian Bros’ largest development commitments to date, the release said.
“Entering Florida is a highly anticipated milestone for Hawaiian Bros, and we couldn’t ask for a more experienced group to help establish our presence in the state,” Grant Kreutzer, senior vice president of franchise development at Hawaiian Bros, said in the release.
“Max knows these Florida markets extremely well, and Southern Rock has an impressive track record of building and operating successful multi-unit restaurant businesses at scale.”
Hawaiian Bros launched in 2018 and has more than 80 restaurants in 14 states. Most are owned and operated by franchisees.
“There are more than 350 additional restaurants under development agreements spanning 20 states and over 75 markets with 13 multi-unit franchisees,” according to the release.
Dining and Cooking