The Hawaii-born chain has signed a five-unit franchise agreement for Alberta, with its first Canadian restaurant planned for Edmonton in 2027.
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to open its first Canadian outlets in Alberta by 2027.
- A five-unit franchise agreement signed with Edmonton Ice District Ltd.
- L&L seeks to introduce Hawaiian comforts, like BBQ Chicken and Chicken Katsu, to Canadians.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is bringing its Hawaiian-style plate lunches to Canada for the first time, with a five-unit franchise agreement set to introduce the brand to Alberta. The agreement with Edmonton Ice District Ltd. calls for the first restaurant to open in Edmonton in 2027, marking a new stage in the company’s international expansion. Founded in Honolulu, the chain has built its business around made-to-order comfort food and the hospitality associated with its Hawaiian roots.
The company began in 1952 as L&L Dairy before evolving into a restaurant brand known for its plate lunches. It expanded beyond Hawaii to the continental United States in 1999 and now operates more than 240 locations across 19 U.S. states and Japan. Its menu includes BBQ Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco and SPAM® Musubi, bringing together flavors influenced by Hawaii’s diverse food culture.
For L&L, the Canadian agreement provides a route into a new market through a local franchise partner. CEO Elisia Flores said the expansion reflects the company’s confidence in introducing its food and hospitality to international customers. The agreement covers five locations, although the company has not announced a detailed opening schedule for all five restaurants.
The brand is also continuing to pursue franchise growth in the United States, including markets such as California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Its recognition in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and its reported No. 1 ranking in the Asian food category since 2017 have supported its profile among prospective franchise partners. Customers can also use the L&L app to order ahead through the Shaka Rewards loyalty program.
As L&L enters Canada and continues seeking franchise partners elsewhere, identifying and managing qualified candidates will remain important to its development plans. The Recruitment feature available through Gorilla Dash can help franchise organizations organize prospective partner inquiries and keep development opportunities on track. For L&L, the Edmonton agreement offers a starting point for introducing its Hawaiian plate lunches to Canadian customers while building on a business that has grown steadily beyond its island origins.
Key Facts:
| L&L Canadian Expansion | L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is set to launch in Canada with a five-unit franchise in Alberta by 2027. |
|---|---|
| First Location | The inaugural Canadian restaurant is planned for Edmonton, Alberta, under the new franchise agreement. |
| Signature Dishes | Signature recipes include BBQ Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, and SPAM® Musubi, appealing to the Canadian palate. |
| Founding and Growth | L&L was founded in Honolulu in 1952 and expanded to 19 states and Japan, with a continued growth strategy. |
| Franchise Recognition | The brand has been recognized by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, ranking first in the Asian food category since 2017. |
| Loyalty Program | Shaka Rewards members can order ahead via the L&L app, offering convenience and rewards to loyal customers. |
| Future Expansion | L&L seeks new franchise partners to expand into other U.S. states like California, Colorado, and Oregon. |
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