Franchising Aloha Spirit: How a Local Plate Lunch Concept Grew into a 232-Unit Network

2 Min Read By MRM Staff

Since retiring, Eddie Flores, Jr., co-founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, has reflected on his decades in the restaurant industry. Now, he’s sharing his hard-earned insights in Franchising the American Dream, which also serves as a practical primer for aspiring and current franchise operators.

Flores chronicles his path from overcoming poverty and learning challenges as an immigrant to building one of the largest Hawaii-based restaurant chains. Founded as L&L Dairy in Honolulu in 1952, it was acquired by Flores and his partner, Johnson Kam, in 1976. They expanded the business across Hawaii, popularizing the “plate lunch” as a signature offering. In 1999, they introduced the brand to the continental United States, rebranding as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Today, the chain boasts 232 locations across the U.S. and Japan.

"Franchising provides a proven roadmap: the tools, systems, and support people need to succeed," Flores said. "L&L has a unique franchise model. We launched the…