Hawaiian Bros Signs 52-Unit Development Agreement to Enter Florida

Experienced Multi-Unit Operator Southern Rock Restaurants to Introduce Island-Inspired Restaurant Brand Across Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando

October 13, 2026 // Franchising.com // FLORIDA — Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, the fast-growing, island-inspired restaurant concept known for its Hawaiian plate lunches and Aloha Spirit, has signed a 52-unit development agreement with Southern Rock Restaurants, LLC/Southern Rock Hawaii, LLC (Southern Rock). The deal marks the brand’s entry into Florida, with Southern Rock planning to develop the 52 restaurants across Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando during the next six years, including 24 restaurants planned in the next three years.

Leading the development is Southern Rock CEO Max Piet, a restaurant industry veteran with 35-plus years of experience and extensive knowledge of building and running multi-unit fast casual businesses in the Florida market. Currently, Piet and his Southern Rock team own and operate nearly 200 restaurants as McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisees in 13 states. Southern Rock has been repeatedly recognized as Franchisee of the Year, Developer of the Year, and fastest-growing franchisee in the US.

“Hawaiian Bros is a rapidly growing brand built around a simple, proven model, strong culture, and commitment to exceptional hospitality. We see tremendous opportunity for it in these outstanding Florida markets,” said Piet. “I’m especially excited to introduce Hawaiian Bros to areas I know and love. This is an important new chapter for Southern Rock, and we look forward to growing the Hawaiian Bros brand with a sharp focus on great teams and strong leadership.”

The agreement is one of Hawaiian Bros’ largest development commitments and establishes a significant growth pipeline in a new state. 

“Entering Florida is a highly anticipated milestone for Hawaiian Bros, and we couldn’t ask for a more experienced group to help establish our presence in the state,” said Grant Kreutzer, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Hawaiian Bros. “Max knows these Florida markets extremely well, and Southern Rock has an impressive track record of building and operating successful multi-unit restaurant businesses at scale. Their strong infrastructure makes them exactly the kind of operator we want growing alongside Hawaiian Bros.”

Hawaiian Bros’ menu is intentionally simple and prepared with zero freezers, fryers, or microwaves, which also encourages consistent execution, operational efficiency, and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The brand serves island-inspired plate lunches featuring juicy chicken or pork glazed with sweet, savory, or spicy sauces, paired with fluffy steamed white rice and macaroni salad or vegetables, all of which are prepared in-house. For dessert, guests can enjoy smooth, tropical Dole Soft Serve®.

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.

About Hawaiian Bros

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 QSRmagazine'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

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Media Contact:

Elizabeth Wood
(630) 294-6875
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