Dive Brief:
- Hawaiian Bros has signed a major 52-store franchise development agreement in Florida, with Southern Rock Restaurants, a major operator of McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken, the chain said in an emailed press release.
- Southern Rock plans to open 24 Hawaiian Bros locations within three years — equivalent to about 30% of the roughly 80 units the franchisor currently has open.
- Since signing its first multi-unit development deal in 2023, the Hawaiian-inspired fast casual chain has built up a substantial pipeline of unit growth with 350 locations in some stage of development across 20 states with 13 franchisees, according to the press release.
Dive Insight:
The deal is a significant strategic step forward, according to Grant Kreutzer, Hawaiian Bros SVP of franchise development.
“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,” Kreutzer said.
The Southern Rock agreement covers Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando and has a six-year timeline for completed development, according to the press release…