Hawaiian fast-casual chain closes all KC-area locations in ‘strategic decision’
Mo’ Bettahs — a Hawaiian fast-casual restaurant based in Utah — has closed all of its remaining Kansas City-area locations.
Its restaurants were in Overland Park at 7006 W. 75th St., Olathe at 1190 S. Strang Line Road; Blue Springs at 806 Missouri Highway 7; Liberty at 1316 W. Kansas St.; and Lee’s Summit at 520 NW Chipman Road.
Signs taped on the doors and windows of the restaurants stated that they closed April 10.
“We have enjoyed our time here in the Kansas City area but have made the difficult decision to close our doors,” the brief notes read. “We are incredibly grateful for the support you have shown us and thank you!”
In a written statement sent to The Star on Monday afternoon, Mo’ Bettahs confirmed its “strategic decision” to close the KC area locations.
“While this chapter is coming to a close in Kansas City, the company continues to grow in other parts of the country, with new restaurants opening in several markets this year,” the statement read. “We sincerely thank the community for its support.”
The chain still has locations in Oklahoma, Utah, Texas, Idaho and Nevada.
Mo’ Bettahs first entered the market in 2022 with its 75th Street location. But it had to go toe-to-toe with Kansas City’s own Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, which is still standing across the street at 6957 W. 75th St.
Local chain Hawaiian Bros, which has since gone national, got its start in Belton in 2018 thanks to brothers Tyler and Cameron McNie. It has more than a dozen locations in the area and has ventured to Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas and several other states
.Brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack hail from the island of Oahu and opened the first Mo’ Bettahs in Bountiful, Utah. Kalua pig, pulehu chicken, teriyaki steak, macaroni salad and more are on the menu.
Its other Overland Park location, 12005 Metcalf Ave., closed in 2024.