Hawaiian Bros CEO on driving growth within the four walls

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Scott Ford, the president and CEO of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, a Kansas City based fast casual franchise serving the signature plate lunch of the Hawaiian islands at more than 80 locations. Scott was a veteran of chains like Applebee’s and Boston Market before joining Hawaiian Bros when it had just three locations, coming alongside the brother founders Tyler and Cameron McNie to maximize the potential of the concept serving chicken and rice in island themed storefronts all throughout the Midwest and South. These days, Scott’s biggest focus is maximizing potential within the four walls, with the goal of boosting average unit volumes from $2.5 million today to $3.5 million. Scott joined the podcast to talk about getting more sales out of each restaurant and about the operational improvements Hawaiian Bros has made to meet increasing demand.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Customers today want something outside the routine
• Positive attitudes lead to positive outcomes
• You must get scrappy in your marketing to win guests
• Operational excellence can unlock better AUVs
• Invite everyone to your party — then have capacity that outpace demand
• There is no honeymoon period for your new restaurant

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.