From Shaved Ice to Barbecue: Hawaiian Ventures Await During AAPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month-long celebration commemorates the contributions of individuals from East, Southeast and South Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Efforts to recognize AAPI communities began in the 1970s, with Rep. Frank Horton and Sen. Daniel Inouye proposing resolutions in 1977 to establish AAPI Heritage Week in early May. Despite initial failures, Horton’s subsequent resolution was signed into law by President Carter in 1978, marking the first official recognition. It wasn’t until 1992, under President George H.W. Bush, that May was designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, later renamed AAPI Heritage Month in 2009.
The Growing AAPI Population
Since 2011, the AAPI population has surged by 27%, making it the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. And it’s hard to miss the fantastic AAPI-inspired franchise opportunities like poke and boba tea that are growing in popularity. With simple business models, corporate cultures rooted in Ohana (family), and yummy Hawaiian and Asian food options, what’s not to love?
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month 2024, say aloha to these Hawaiian-inspired fast-food franchise opportunities.
Top Hawaiian-Inspired Franchise Opportunities
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is famous for its 100% Kona coffee and authentic Aloha Spirit. Since its founding in 1989, the coffee franchise has expanded across the U.S., Virgin Islands and Japan. Franchisees receive support from Royal Aloha Coffee Company, which acquired Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in 2019. Ideal franchise owners seek multiple units, have business experience, and share the brand’s passion for premium coffee. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii holds a strong commitment to veterans and offers a $10,000 discount to qualified active and retired service members.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill spreads the Aloha Spirit to customers, staff and franchise partners with authentic Hawaiian dishes. Experienced restaurant professionals interested in opening multiple locations can look forward to simple operations. There are no microwaves, fryers, or freezers to worry about at any Hawaiian Bros location, and drive-thrus operate in seconds due to the brand’s optimized ordering system. Kitchens are designed with production lines to serve every sales channel (carry-out, drive-thru, and dine-in.) Entrepreneurs can also appreciate the simplicity of Hawaiian Bros’ menu.
Hokulia
Founded in 2008 by Clint and Stefani Severson, the Hokulia shaved ice franchise takes the tastes of Hawaii to the mainland. The authentic Hawaii shaved ice brand partnered with Farr’s Ice Cream to bring its unique premium ice cream flavors and smoothies to communities across the U.S. Franchise owners have multiple business models to choose from: the “Shack” model; a brick-and-mortar location; a drive-thru location; and a mobile food truck. The franchise opportunity features an affordable investment, a fun Aloha culture, and popular menu items.
Kona Ice
Kona Ice is a mobile shaved ice franchise with a proven business model, affordable investment, and quick start-up time. The franchise is designed so anybody can successfully operate a Kona Ice truck. Additionally, giving back is an important part of Kona’s culture; franchise owners regularly partner with local schools, sports organizations, and other non-profits across the country.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, an award-winning Asian food concept, was founded in 1952 and has been franchising since 1992. Since then, the Honolulu-based brand has expanded to over 210 locations. Franchisees are set up for success with the brand’s extensive business training programs and proven operating systems. To support communities nationwide, the L&L Foundation was established to raise funds for financial support, goodwill and other resources.
Pokémoto
In 2017, entrepreneur Thomas Nguyen identified a lack of Hawaiian poke options in the New England market and established Pokémoto in New Haven, Conn. Catering to the tastes of Gen-Z and Millennials, this Hawaiian poke franchise provides entrepreneurs with the chance to join a growing brand. Franchisees benefit from established operating systems, marketing support, ongoing training, and discounts on third-party delivery services.
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade is an emerging franchise opportunity known for its healthy bites, craft acai bowls, and fresh-pressed lemonades. In addition to low start-up costs, its business model includes easy online ordering, pickup and delivery, and assistance from an experienced leadership team.
