The Utah-based, fast-casual Hawaiian restaurant chain Mo’ Bettahs is expanding across the US into key new markets.
The company is slated to enter three new markets in 2026 – Phoenix, Indianapolis and Minneapolis, with two locations in each. Its Phoenix restaurants will be the first to open this spring. Minneapolis will be next to open in the summer or early fall, followed by Indianapolis in the fall.
The chain currently operates nearly 80 restaurants across nine states, with plans for continued corporate-led expansion through a “strong development pipeline”.
“We are starting with two locations in each of the new markets and will evaluate the potential of each market once we see how customers respond to those first restaurants,” Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs, told Chain Store Age. “We are excited and believe each of these markets could support significant growth over the coming years.”
Founded by Hawaii-born brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, the brand serves Hawaiian barbecue favourites including teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, rice and macaroni salad.
“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. “Bringing authentic plate lunch and Aloha to the mainland isn’t a strategy for us. It’s who we are.”
