This growing Kansas City restaurant chain is one to watch, national publication says
A restaurant chain based in Kansas City could grow even more in the next few years, according to a national report.
Industry publication Nation’s Restaurant News released its “100 Under 100” list in July, highlighting thriving and emerging restaurant chains in the United States. Each chain represented has under 100 locations and has shown large growth.
The list showcases the restaurant chains that are posed to expand even more over the next few years. Each listing is based on sales and restaurant location data through 2023, per the list.
While many of the restaurants featured on the list have locations in the Kansas City area, only one is headquartered here: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill.
The restaurant focuses on Hawaiian plate lunches, like its signature huli huli chicken with white rice and macaroni salad.
It was founded by brothers Cameron and Tyler McNie in 2018 in Belton, who spent 15 years working in their family’s Hawaiian grill business on the West Coast and wanted to put their spin on the cuisine, according to a description on Hawaiian Bros’ website.
The company launched a franchise program in late 2022 and grew its footprint from 37 units to 48, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. Sales grew to $111.3 million, from $101 million the year prior.
You can find the full list of Hawaiian Bros locations around the country online.
What emerging restaurants have Kansas City locations?
A Kansas-based restaurant was also featured on Nation’s Restaurant News list, and it has two locations in the Kansas City area.
Jefferson’s Restaurant, headquartered in Lawrence and founded in 1991, is known for its oysters, hot wings and burgers. The all-American menu at the chain helped its sales grow by about 10% in 2023, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
The restaurant is found at 300 Armour Road in North Kansas City and 14944 W. 87th St. in Lenexa.
Other restaurants featured on the list that have locations in Kansas City include:
- Bibibop Asian Grill
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- Fogo De Chao
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, which was recently called the best fried chicken joint in Kansas
- Jinya Ramen Bar
- Kona Grill
- Main Event
- Mo’Bettahs
- Modern Market Eatery
- Pinstripes
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- Topgolf
- True Food Kitchen
