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October 23.2025
3 Minutes Read

Ono Hawaiian BBQ's Expansion into Texas: A Taste of Aloha Awaits!

Ono Hawaiian BBQ expansion, vibrant restaurant exterior evening view

Ono Hawaiian BBQ Expands Its Aloha to Texas

Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the fast-casual restaurant chain adored for its Hawaiian plate lunches, is preparing to make waves in Texas as it expands its reach beyond the West Coast. With ten new locations under construction in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, this marks a significant growth milestone for the family-owned chain, which has over 115 restaurants primarily in California and Arizona.

Sharing the Spirit of Aloha

Founded in 2002 by brothers Joe and Josh Liang, Ono Hawaiian BBQ aims to share the vibrant spirit of Aloha with every meal served. The chain's menu features a delightful array of island-inspired dishes, including Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Kalua Pork, Kalbi Short Ribs, Chicken Katsu, and Spam Musubi. Every dish is freshly prepared daily, with high-quality proteins marinated and grilled to order to ensure maximum flavor and authenticity. As CEO Joshua Liang stated, “Texas offers the perfect opportunity to introduce our fresh, made-to-order Hawaiian comfort food to a community that embraces bold flavors and the joy of gathering around great food.”

A Thriving Market for Hawaiian Cuisine

Texas is known for its diverse culinary landscape, making it a favorable location for Ono Hawaiian BBQ’s new ventures. Pizza, tacos, and BBQ dominate the scene, but Hawaiian cuisine, with its unique flavors and relaxed dining style, is poised to capture a new audience eager for different options. The upcoming restaurants will include dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru services, addressing the demand for convenience among busy Texan families.

Locations and Anticipation

The first Texas locations are set to open in early 2026, with confirmed sites in prominent areas such as Plano, McKinney, Dallas, and Hurst. Each restaurant will embrace the fast-casual dining format, ensuring that guests can enjoy a relaxing meal or grab something on the go. Notably, the chain has signed leases for multiple locations at once, a strategic move that some franchises seldom achieve, highlighting Ono’s confidence in their expansion.

A Look Back at the Brand's Growth

Ono Hawaiian BBQ has steadily gained recognition in recent years, even ranking No. 179 on Restaurant Business’s Top 500 Chains Report in 2025. Their success isn’t limited to restaurant growth; they have recently introduced drive-thru prototypes in Arizona and have collaborated with Disney on cultural campaigns tied to popular movies like Moana 2 and Lilo & Stitch.

Community Engagement and Aloha Spirit

Beyond just food, Ono has been actively engaged in community service through their “Spread the Aloha” program, supporting wildfire relief efforts in Maui and holding first responder appreciation events across California. This commitment to community involvement amplifies their brand values, making them not just a restaurant but a beloved part of their customers' lives.

The Future of Ono Hawaiian BBQ

As Oni Hawaiian BBQ opens its doors in Texas, we can anticipate exciting opportunities for food lovers to indulge in authentic Hawaiian cuisine without traveling to the islands. The expansion not only showcases the brand’s growth but also enriches the cultural fabric of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, offering a taste of Hawaii's warmth and flavor right in the heart of Texas.

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03.01.2026

City Barbeque Opens March 2: A New Flavor Hub in Rock Hill

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03.01.2026

Roy Rogers Restaurants Embraces Future-Ready Technology with Qu's Unified Commerce Platform

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03.01.2026

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