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L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

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Food & Beverage
Other Food

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Restaurant franchise offering Hawaiian-style barbecue dishes, including grilled meats, rice, and macaroni salad, providing a taste of the islands.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a renowned franchise celebrated for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine, bringing the tastes and culture of Hawaii to the mainland United States and beyond.

Originally established as L&L Dairy in 1952 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the business evolved into L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in 1976, guided by Eddie Flores, Jr. and Johnson Kam. This transformation laid the foundation for its iconic status today.

The brand began franchising in 1990, fueling its growth into a prominent name in the quick-service restaurant industry. Over the years, it has expanded to over 210 locations nationwide, offering customers a flavorful escape to the islands.

What sets L&L Hawaiian Barbecue apart is its distinctive fusion of Asian-American and traditional Hawaiian flavors, creating a dining experience that’s both unique and memorable in the fast-food landscape.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Estimated Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Construction Cost $39,450 - $450,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Exterior $62,250 - $150,000
Inventory $6,750 - $12,000
Rent Under Lease Arrangement (for 3 months) $9,000 - $60,000
Security Deposit for Lease $5,000 - $15,000
Branded Attire $500
Computer Equipment and Software $3,000 - $5,000
Insurance Costs and Deposits (for 3 Months) $7,800 - $27,360
Travel and Living Expenses During Training $4,400 - $9,000 per person
Utility Deposits $0 - $3,000
Professional Fees $0 - $8,000
Grand Opening Advertising Currently, $5,000
Other Opening Costs $12,000 - $24,000
Additional Funds (for 3 months) $18,000 - $36,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment for L & L Restaurant $210,190 - $839,860
Type of Expenditure Estimated Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Construction Cost $39,450 - $450,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Exterior $62,250 - $150,000
Inventory $6,750 - $12,000
Rent Under Lease Arrangement (for 3 months) $9,000 - $60,000
Security Deposit for Lease $5,000 - $15,000
Branded Attire $500
Computer Equipment and Software $3,000 - $5,000
Insurance Costs and Deposits (for 3 Months) $7,800 - $27,360
Travel and Living Expenses During Training $4,400 - $9,000 per person
Utility Deposits $0 - $3,000
Professional Fees $0 - $8,000
Grand Opening Advertising Currently, $5,000
Other Opening Costs $12,000 - $24,000
Additional Funds (for 3 months) $18,000 - $36,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment for L & L Restaurant $210,190 - $839,860

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

2024

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue provides a structured training program to its franchisees to ensure the successful implementation and operation of its system restaurants. The franchisor offers an initial training program that may include up to three days of instruction at their Honolulu, Hawaii offices and up to four weeks of intensive on-the-job training at a designated system restaurant location.

This program covers practical training in restaurant operations.

In addition to the initial training, periodic franchisee training and marketing and operations programs are mandatory, with attendance required by two principal representatives.

These sessions may total up to five working days per year. Additional training sessions can also be arranged upon request or at the franchisor’s requirement, with costs for transportation, lodging, and meals borne by the franchise operator. Completion of training is a prerequisite for opening or managing any system restaurant.

Territory Protection

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. The franchise agreement explicitly states that no exclusive territory or radius protection is granted.

Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other channels of distribution operated by the franchisor.

Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to open and operate new franchise locations or distribution channels at its discretion, even in close proximity to an existing franchise. This lack of territory protection means franchisees need to prepare for potential market competition and strategize accordingly to maintain their customer base.

Competitors

Below are some of

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

key competitors in the

Other Food

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

220

New
+
9%
9%

$35,000

$208,000

$840,000

n.a.

$821,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Sticks Kebob Shop

Sticks Kebob Shop is a fast-casual Mediterranean franchise offering marinated kebabs, salads, and sides, serving health- and value-focused diners and families, and known for fresh ingredients, bold flavors, flexible formats and strong growth potential.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$248,000 - $573,000

New York Butcher Shoppe

The New York Butcher Shoppe is a retail-butcher franchise offering hand-cut steaks, premium meats, prepared entrées, sides, and gourmet grocery items, serving families and food enthusiasts, and known for high-quality product, inviting atmosphere, and proven franchise model.

Franchisees

?

25
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$459,000 - $794,000

Capt Loui

Capt Loui is a seafood & coastal dining franchise offering fresh seafood, coastal American cuisine, and casual dining ambiance, serving families and coastal diners, and known for ocean-fresh ingredients, nautical branding, and relaxed upscale vibe.

Franchisees

?

17
+
21%
21%
Investment

?

$230,000 - $833,000

Potato Corner

Potato Corner is a quick-service franchise known for its flavored French fries. Originating from the Philippines, it has expanded globally, offering a variety of seasonings and serving options to appeal to diverse tastes.

Franchisees

?

27
+
4%
4%
Investment

?

$242,000 - $829,000

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving Hawaiian plate lunches, featuring marinated meats, rice, and macaroni salad in a tropical-themed environment.

Franchisees

?

18
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$1,539,000 - $4,819,000

Shah's Halal

Shah's Halal is a fast-casual franchise offering halal food options like gyros, platters, and wraps, with authentic flavors and quick service.

Franchisees

?

13
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$192,000 - $410,000

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