October 08, 2026 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA — Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, the island-inspired restaurant concept known for its Hawaiian plate lunches and aloha spirit, has signed a lease for its first brick-and-mortar location in Georgia. The restaurant is expected to open in early 2027 and will be located at 112 Courtland St NE adjacent to Georgia State University, marking a key milestone in the brand’s Southeast expansion.
The new Hawaiian Bros restaurant will be situated in One12 Courtland, a well-known mixed-use retail, restaurant and student housing development. It will be a convenient neighborhood restaurant for students and downtown workers, who will be able to dine in, order for delivery or pick-up. The brand’s attractive fast-casual setting fosters speed and convenience without sacrificing quality. Menu offerings include a variety of juicy chicken and pork glazed with sweet, savory or spicy sauces, macaroni salad, fluffy steamed white rice, vegetables and tropical Dole Soft Serve®.
This location will be owned and operated by MRCO, a seasoned multi-unit franchise group with more than 45 years of restaurant experience and an extensive portfolio of nearly 90 Taco Bell locations. MRCO is leading the brand’s growth across North Carolina, West Central Georgia and North Alabama following a recently signed 34-unit development agreement. Recently, the group expanded its development areas to include 10 more restaurants in the coming years in the contiguous markets of Birmingham, AL, Columbus and Macon, GA, and Auburn, AL.
“Bringing Hawaiian Bros’ first physical location to Georgia comes with tremendous pride for us. It will mark a new milestone for the brand and we’re ready to share the island-inspired plate lunch, with more Atlantans,” said Imaan Ferdowsi, CEO of MRCO. “In the heart of Atlanta, this new restaurant will be a natural fit with locals who will appreciate menu items that are prepared fresh in house with high-quality ingredients. We look forward to bringing our aloha spirit to the area as we grow throughout the region.”
Slated to open Q1 2027, it reflects a strategic step in the Hawaiian Bros expansion strategy targeting high-growth markets as the brand continues to attract experienced operators like MRCO through its efficient model and strong performance. The new restaurant will join the brand's ghost kitchen in Decatur that serves Atlanta's eastside intown neighborhoods.
“The southeast is a priority for Hawaiian Bros, and expanding in Georgia with a strong partner like MRCO is an important milestone,” said Grant Kreutzer, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Hawaiian Bros. “This location will place the brand in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and sets the stage for continued development.”
The Hawaiian Bros franchise opportunity is built for seasoned multi-unit operators with the infrastructure in place to develop and operate multiple locations. Candidates must bring a proven track record in restaurant and hospitality management, with at least 10 years of experience franchising fast-casual, QSR, or casual dining brands. Hawaiian Bros continues to attract established multi-unit groups looking to diversify their portfolios with a unique, fast-growing, high-demand concept.
Since launching in 2018, Hawaiian Bros has grown to 80+ restaurants across 14 states, with the majority of locations franchisee owned and operated. There are more than 350 additional restaurants under development agreements spanning 20 states and over 75 markets with 13 multi-unit franchisees.
For more information about Hawaiian Bros and its franchise opportunities, including how to apply and claim your territory, visit www.hawaiianbros.com/franchising.
At Hawaiian Bros, we’re inspired every day to share the Aloha Spirit. It shapes how we work, connect, and grow together. Our core values of Mutual Respect, Harmony, Gratitude, Integrity, Innovation, and Fun guide how we show up for one another, our guests, and the communities we serve. We believe in doing what is right, showing appreciation often, and bringing curiosity, creativity, and joy to everything we do. Together, we create memorable experiences that invite guests to return and to share the Aloha Spirit with others. Hawaiian Bros owns and operates 80+ restaurants serving the Aloha Spirit in 14 states across America.
Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since its founding in 2018, including the #1 spot on Ingram's Corporate Report of the “Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies” and the #7 spot on QSR magazine's “40/40 List of America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals.” Additionally, Hawaiian Bros was named a 2026 “50 QSR Contender,” ranked #18 on Fast Casual’s 2026 “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list, to which it has been named consistently on an annual basis, and earned the #40 spot on the Franchise Times 2026 “Fast & Serious” list. The brand has also been named to QSR magazine’s “Best Brands to Work For” and the Franchise Times “Top 400” list. For more information about Hawaiian Bros, visit www.hawaiianbros.com.
SOURCE Hawaiian Bros
An island-inspired fast-casual franchise rooted in the Aloha Spirit—delivering craveable plate lunches, simple operations, and strong unit economics for scalable, multi-unit growth.