Hawaiian barbecue chain Mo’ Bettahs enters Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis, continuing its disciplined national growth strategy.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (April 7, 2026) — Mo’ Bettahs today announced plans to enter three new markets — Phoenix, Indianapolis and Minneapolis — as the Hawaiian-style fast-casual brand accelerates its national expansion. Additionally, the company reported positive same-store sales growth for the 18th consecutive year, marking nearly two decades of sustained momentum.
With nearly 80 restaurants nationwide, Mo’ Bettahs is poised for continued expansion in 2026, guided by a disciplined growth strategy focused on operational consistency and long-term performance.
“Eighteen consecutive years of same-store sales growth is rare in this industry, and it doesn’t happen by accident,” said Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs. “It reflects disciplined execution, the quality and authenticity of our menu, and the loyalty of our guests. As we enter these new markets, we’re scaling with focus and protecting the standards and values that have defined Mo’ Bettahs since it began in 2008.”
Founded by Hawai‘i-born brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, who previously worked as city bus drivers on O‘ahu, Mo’ Bettahs was created to bring the flavors and traditions of the islands to the mainland. The brand serves Hawaiian barbecue favorites including teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, rice and macaroni salad — all rooted in Hawai‘i’s beloved plate lunch tradition.
“We didn’t create Mo’ Bettahs to follow a trend. It was built on the recipes and culture we grew up with, cooking alongside our parents and aunties in the backyard,” said Kimo Mack, co-founder of Mo’ Bettahs. “Bringing authentic plate lunch and Aloha to the mainland isn’t a strategy for us. It’s who we are.”
With continued corporate-led expansion and a strong development pipeline, Mo’ Bettahs remains focused on introducing more communities to its distinctive island-style cuisine.
The brand has been recognized nationally for its sustained growth and performance, earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list five times, being profiled by Forbes and The New York Times, and receiving Mergers & Acquisitions’ Middle Market Deal of the Year honor in 2025.
ABOUT MO’ BETTAHS
Founded in 2008 in Bountiful, Utah, by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettahs is a Hawaiian-style fast-casual restaurant brand rooted in the flavors and traditions of Hawai‘i’s plate lunch culture. Born and raised in O‘ahu, the Mack brothers built the brand around the food and hospitality they grew up with, serving island favorites such as grilled teriyaki chicken and steak, kalua pork, katsu chicken, macaroni salad and steamed rice. Today, Mo’ Bettahs operates nearly 80 corporate-owned restaurants across nine states and continues to expand through disciplined, corporate-led growth. The company partnered with Savory Fund in 2018 to support its strategic expansion and was acquired in 2023 by Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital, with Savory retaining a minority stake. For more information, visit MoBettahs.com.
