Aiea, Hawaii, is welcoming a new player in commercial kitchen safety and cleanliness as HOODZ, the nation’s leading kitchen exhaust cleaning franchise, opens its newest location this November. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand as it extends its trusted services to one of the Pacific’s most dynamic food-service markets.
At the helm is Jeremy Schmalfeldt, an experienced entrepreneur and community-minded leader whose career spans hospitality, wellness, and restoration. Since 2014, Schmalfeldt has served as General Manager of BELFOR Hawaii, one of the state’s premier restoration and recovery firms. He also co-founded Dips & Drips, a wellness venture blending culinary creativity with holistic care. For Schmalfeldt, joining HOODZ represents more than a business opportunity—it is a chance to contribute to local safety and sustainability. “Now was the time to go into business with a company that would empower me to make a difference in my community,” he said.
The launch comes at a critical time for Hawaii’s bustling food industry. As the demand for dining and delivery services continues to rise, restaurant operators face growing pressure to maintain rigorous safety and fire-prevention standards. HOODZ specializes in commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning and compliance inspections, services essential to preventing grease fires and ensuring smooth operations for restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens.
Nathan Willard, President of HOODZ, said the brand’s continued expansion underscores its leadership in the field. “With our state-of-the-art training and focus on quality, we have positioned ourselves as a trusted name in kitchen exhaust cleaning,” Willard explained. “Our franchise partners uphold the highest safety and service standards, which is why businesses rely on HOODZ nationwide.”
Founded in 1972 and part of the BELFOR Franchise Group, HOODZ has built its reputation on professionalism, integrity, and technical excellence. The company operates across multiple sectors—from restaurants and universities to hospitals and government facilities—all in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 96) standards. By prioritizing both safety and education, the brand continues to raise the bar for what it means to be a responsible service franchise.
For the Aiea community, the arrival of HOODZ represents more than a new business—it’s a commitment to safer, cleaner kitchens and a stronger local economy. As the brand continues its nationwide expansion, Hawaii’s newest franchisee is poised to make a measurable impact, one kitchen at a time.