Hawaii-born L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will enter Canada in 2027 through a five-unit franchise deal, with Edmonton set to host its first restaurant.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Hawaii-based restaurant chain with more than 240 locations across the United States and Japan, will enter Canada in 2027 through a five-unit franchise agreement with Edmonton Ice District Ltd. The deal will bring the brand to Alberta, with Edmonton selected for its first Canadian restaurant.
Announced recently, the agreement marks a new step in the brand’s international expansion. The partners plan to develop five restaurants, although a detailed opening schedule for the remaining four locations has not been disclosed.
“This milestone expansion reflects our confidence in bringing our aloha spirit and made-to-order comfort food of Hawai’i to new international markets,” said Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “Our growth has always been driven by franchisees who understand their communities and share our commitment to introducing the authentic flavours of Hawai’i and our signature hospitality to new consumers.”
Founded in Honolulu in 1952 as L&L Dairy, the business evolved into a restaurant chain focused on Hawaii’s plate-lunch tradition. Eddie Flores Jr. and Johnson Kam acquired the original L&L Drive-Inn in 1976, expanding the concept across the Hawaiian Islands before taking it to the continental United States in 1999.
Today, L&L operates in 19 US states and Japan, with a network of more than 240 restaurants worldwide. Its menu features Hawaiian plate lunches and island-inspired dishes, including BBQ Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco and SPAM Musubi.
Franchising has been central to the company’s growth since it began franchising in 1991. The model has enabled L&L to expand beyond Hawaii through local operators, with the Canadian agreement extending that strategy into another international market.
The company is continuing to seek franchise partners in the United States, particularly in California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Its expansion strategy focuses on working with operators who can establish the brand in local markets while maintaining its food offering and Hawaiian hospitality.
The Canadian entry adds another market to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s international footprint as the chain looks to grow through franchise partnerships.
