Hawaiian Bros plans Kansas City-area location, just minutes away from new competitor
The showdown between locally owned Hawaiian Bros Island Grill and Kansas City newcomer Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is heating up.
Hawaiian Bros is going through the Blue Springs planning commission to open a restaurant at 800 N.E. Coronado Drive, formerly the site of a Kneaders Bakery & Cafe.
That’s just a short drive from a proposed Mo’ Bettahs planned for 806 N.W. Missouri 7, also in Blue Springs.
In a statement, Hawaiian Bros officials said they “can’t comment at this time.”
In June, Mo’ Bettahs confirmed plans to enter the Kansas City market.
Like Hawaiian Bros, Mo’ Bettahs was also founded by two brothers. But Kimo and Kalani Mack grew up on Oahu, Hawaii, and opened their first Mo’ Bettahs in 2008 in Utah. (Hawaiian Bros was founded in the KC area by brothers who grew up in Oregon.)
Hawaiian Bros has nine area locations, including one in Lawrence, with another Overland Park location scheduled to open on Nov. 2.
Mo’ Bettahs previously confirmed plans to open in Blue Springs, Liberty, Overland Park and Olathe.
This story was originally published September 14, 2021 at 5:00 AM.