Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is preparing to make its Florida debut through a 52-restaurant development agreement with Southern Rock Restaurants, LLC and Southern Rock Hawaii, LLC. The agreement covers Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando, with the partners targeting 24 restaurants during the first three years of a six-year development schedule, QSR Magazine reported.
The expansion will be led by Southern Rock CEO Max Piet, whose restaurant industry experience spans more than 35 years. Southern Rock currently operates nearly 200 restaurants across 13 states as a franchisee of McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken, according to QSR Magazine’s report.
Piet said the company sees strong potential for Hawaiian Bros in Florida, where he has extensive market experience. He also highlighted the brand’s established operating model and hospitality-focused culture as reasons for pursuing the deal…