L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Honolulu-founded plate lunch franchise, has signed a five-unit franchise development agreement that will bring the brand to Edmonton, Alberta, with its first Canadian locations expected to open in 2027.
“This milestone expansion reflects our confidence in bringing our aloha spirit and made-to-order comfort food of Hawai’i to new international markets,” said Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “Our growth has always been driven by franchisees who understand their communities and share our commitment to introducing the authentic flavors of Hawai’i and our signature hospitality to new consumers.”
Seven decades of plate lunch culture
Founded in Honolulu in 1952, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue grew from a local favourite into a global brand, entering the continental United States in 1976 and expanding to more than 200 locations across the US, Japan and beyond. The brand is built around the Hawaiian plate lunch tradition – a generous combination of protein, rice and macaroni salad that has been central to Hawaii’s food culture for generations.
Guests can enjoy signature dishes such as BBQ Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, BBQ Beef, Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco and the iconic SPAM® Musubi. Members of the Shaka Rewards loyalty program can also order ahead through the L&L app.
Franchise recognition and further expansion
L&L’s franchise growth, meanwhile, has earned national recognition, with the brand named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and ranking No. 1 in the Asian food category each year since 2017.
The brand is actively recruiting qualified franchise partners to bring its signature plate lunch to more communities across Canada. Further information about franchising opportunities is available at llhawaiifranchise.com.
Key takeaways
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has signed a five-unit franchise development agreement targeting Edmonton, Alberta, marking the brand’s planned entry into the Canadian market with first locations expected to open in 2027.
- Founded in Honolulu in 1952, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has grown to more than 200 locations across the United States, Japan and beyond, built around the Hawaiian plate lunch tradition of protein, rice and macaroni salad.
- The brand’s signature menu includes BBQ Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, BBQ Beef, Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco and the iconic SPAM® Musubi, and Shaka Rewards loyalty members can order ahead through the L&L app.
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has been named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and has ranked No. 1 in the Asian food category each year since 2017.
- The Edmonton agreement is part of a broader Canadian expansion strategy, with the brand actively recruiting franchise partners to bring its plate lunch concept to further communities across the country.
