Are you an entrepreneur with a vision and a passion for food?
Step up to the plate and join us in our mission to spread the Aloha spirit around the world with the Original Hawaiian Barbecue® - L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.
About L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Founded in Honolulu as L&L Dairy in 1952, Eddie Flores, Jr. and Johnson Kam, both immigrants from China, acquired L&L in 1976. With Hawaii as the home of the Plate Lunch, they grew the business from the islands and it became one of the most popular and successful chains serving fresh plate lunches in big plates and bold flavors. In 1999, the co-founders introduced the L&L brand of Hawaiian plate lunches to the continental United States and rebranded the franchise to what it is known today as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Today, "Hawaiian Barbecue" is one of the fastest-growing categories due to its blend of ethnic flavors and representation of Hawaii's culture and cuisine. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has 232 locations throughout the U.S. and Japan.
What is a Plate Lunch?
Plate Lunch - also known as "the state food of Hawaii" - dates back to the 1880s, when immigrant wage laborers in Hawaiian sugar plantations and pineapple fields brought rice and other leftovers for lunch in compartmentalized tins or bento boxes. Lunches were often shared, resulting in a harmonious mix of home recipes from across the globe. This blend of cuisines formed a 'local food' style that became the hallmark of Hawaii. In the 1930s, lunch wagons began serving mixed-style food on compartmentalized paper plates, starting the traditional "plate lunch" we know today.
Over 230 Locations and Growing
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Yellow- Franchise Availability
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Red- Limited Availability
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Teal- Future Availability
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Orange- No Current Availability
Why Become an L&L Franchisee?
Low Fees
Royalty fee (3-4%) and marketing fees (1-2%) keep costs low while offering a proven business model.
Strong Legacy Brand Presence
With 70+ years of history and 230+ locations in 17 states and Japan, we are the largest and most successful franchised restaurant chain from Hawaii.
Supportive Corporate Ohana
Our franchisees value the family-like culture, with comprehensive support and training every step of the way.
Flexibility & Creativity
We give you the freedom to innovate and connect with your community while leveraging our proven systems.
2025 Costs & Fees
Minimum Liquid Capital Required
$250,000
Total Investment
$233,950 - $838,460
Our L&L Corporate Team will help you with...
Pre-Opening
- Advice on Site Selection
- Restaurant / Store Design
- Training
- Equipment List
- Procurement / Product Purchasing
- Marketing
Grand Opening
- On-Site Assistance by our Chefs
- Grand-Opening Kit
- Media Assistance
Post-Opening
- Training
- Marketing
- Operations Manual
- Field Support
- Merchandising & Other General Assistance
How to Become an L&L Franchisee
1. Reach Out
2. Initial Chat
3. Submit Your Application
4. Application Review
5. Provide Documents
- 2 years of personal tax returns
- A current ID
- A financial statement form
- A recent credit report
6. Review Our FDD
7. Waiting Period & Background Check
8. Sign the Agreement
9. Evaluation
10. Discovery Day
11. Final Interview
12. Welcome to the Ohana!
Franchise FAQs
What is the initial franchise fee?
What is the monthly royalty fee?
What is the monthly advertising and promotion fee?
What is the estimated initial investment for a turnkey L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
What about selecting the site for L&L?
What is the typical size of an L&L?
Do you provide financing?
What do you provide to assist a franchisee before the opening?
We will provide guidance and suggestions for locating an approved location.
We will lend a copy of our operation manual that contains mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and procedures. This manual is confidential and remains our property.
We will provide standard décor and layout plans to you to modify and to conform to our approved location by architect or contractor. You must pay the cost of the construction and remodeling.
We will train you and your manager. We do not charge for the training but you must pay for transportation and accommodation for you or your manager. Training is held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What is the length of time before opening?
Are you offering franchises in other countries?
Where do I get more information on L&L franchise?
"Our L&L franchisees have been key in helping scale L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, earning us a spot in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for 15 consecutive years!" Elisia Flores, CEO
Voted #1 Asian Food Franchise
Entrepreneur Magazine ranked L&L Hawaiian Barbecue as the #1 Asian food franchise seven years in a row (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017). L&L is a unique concept that serves delicious Asian American inspired dishes that has grown tremendously throughout the country and internationally!
The #1 Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is an established brand name. If you ask anyone from Hawaii, they will tell you that L&L is a beloved icon and a well-recognized name. L&L has been bringing Hawaii to the world through distinctive dining experiences and the aloha spirit. L&L is the original Hawaiian Barbecue that serves authentic Hawaiian Barbecue.
What Our Franchisees Are Saying
Sunny & Nina, Multi-unit Franchise Owners California
We own several businesses, and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue was the first franchise I invested in. I'm pleased to say that working with L&L corporate has been an excellent experience. My L&L location is not only the easiest of all my businesses to manage but also the most profitable. A big mahalo to L&L for their unwavering support and everything they've done to help me succeed.
Sonia & Judy, Mother & Daughter Franchise Owners California
The sense of family—'ohana—among L&L franchisees and the corporate team is something we truly value. We enjoy the flexibility to operate within a structured framework, which allows us to bring the authentic taste of Hawaiian food and island spirit to our customers. We're proud to be part of such an amazing brand!
Peter & Lily, Franchise Owners Kauai
The owners of L&L are down-to-earth and come from a background very similar to ours. The dedicated staff at the corporate office are always courteous and professional. Our food is outstanding, and our prices and portions are incredibly fair. It's a great combination that keeps our customers coming back!
Sole Leano's Testimonial
Take the Next Step
If you're an entrepreneur with a vision and a passion for food, step up to the plate and join us in our mission to spread the Aloha spirit around the world.
NOTICE: The Communications Made Through This Website Should Not Be Construed as an Offer to Sell an L&L Hawaiian Barbecue® Franchise, Nor the Communications Directed To, the Residents of Any Jurisdiction Requiring Registration of the Franchise Before It Is Offered and Sold in That Jurisdiction. This Offer Is Not Being Directed to Any Resident of the Following States, or Any State, Province, Country or Jurisdiction Where L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Is Not Currently Registered to Offer or Sell, Unless Otherwise Qualified or Exempt. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue® Franchises Will Not Be Sold to Any Resident of Any Jurisdiction Until the Offering Has Been Exempted from the Requirement Of, or Duly Registered in and Declared Effective By, Such Jurisdiction and the Required Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Has Been Delivered to the Prospective Franchisee in Compliance with Applicable Law. Upon Inquiry You Will Be Informed if a Franchise Opportunity Is Currently Available in Your State or Other Jurisdiction. An Offer of a Franchise Is Made Only by Means of the L&L Franchise, Inc.’s FDD.