Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant concept known for its Hawaiian-style plate lunches, island-inspired flavors, and welcoming “Aloha” hospitality vibe. With numerous locations in California and Arizona, the brand has grown a loyal following by offering grilled proteins, house-made sauces, and a relaxed dining experience. Many entrepreneurs looking into food-service investment naturally ask whether they can open a Ono Hawaiian BBQ franchise and join the brand in their own community.
Franchise Availability
Currently, Ono Hawaiian BBQ does not offer traditional franchise opportunities in the United States. All of its existing restaurants are company-owned and operated. Because the brand retains full control over its operations, site selection, and store build-out, independent franchise ownership is not part of its current growth model. Prospective investors who hoped to buy a franchise location of Ono Hawaiian BBQ would need to wait for any potential changes in the company’s strategy or explore alternative ownership pathways that may be offered in the future.
What This Means for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs interested in operating a Hawaiian-inspired fast-casual dining concept, the fact that Ono Hawaiian BBQ does not offer franchise rights means that this brand is not available for independent franchise purchase at this time. If your goal is to own and operate a restaurant under this brand name, the option is not currently open. Instead, you may wish to monitor the brand’s development and announcement channels for any updates regarding franchising, or consider other brands that are actively franchising and expanding through independent operators.
Why Ono Hawaiian BBQ Chooses a Company-Owned Model
By maintaining all locations under corporate ownership, Ono Hawaiian BBQ can exercise complete oversight of its operational standards, menu consistency, customer experience, and brand presentation. This allows the company to ensure that each location aligns precisely with the brand’s vision of “Aloha,” fresh cooking, and island flavor. Because the company handles site selection, build-outs, supplier relationships, training, and ongoing operations centrally, the model supports rapid and consistent rollout without the variable of independent franchisees managing individual units. This controlled approach helps preserve the brand’s integrity and ensures the guest experience remains uniform across markets.
Conclusion
In summary, Ono Hawaiian BBQ does not currently offer franchise opportunities in the United States. All of its locations are company-owned and operated, meaning independent investors cannot buy a franchise unit under the brand at this time. For entrepreneurs seeking to invest in or operate a restaurant with a Hawaiian plate-lunch concept, this means looking elsewhere or waiting to see if the brand’s policy changes. Ono Hawaiian BBQ continues to grow and expand on its own terms, maintaining close control over each location’s quality and guest experience.
