Zach Fugate found the simplicity of the Hawaiian Bros’ menu and growth model to be appealing. In franchising, a successful legacy is marked by longevity and store count, a reality Zach Fugate, cofounder of Ohana Restaurant Group, which owns and operates seven Hawaiian Bros franchises across multiple markets, understands well. Over fifty years, his grandfather built an empire of roughly 150 Pizza Hut and 75 Taco Bell locations, creating a model for multi-unit advancement in small-town markets. Fugate began his career under his grandfather’s guidance, gaining decades of knowledge and insight into the restaurant industry. After his grandfather’s passing in 2025, Fugate wanted to explore entrepreneurship for himself. This led to the formation of the Ohana Restaurant Group, a collaboration with his cousins, Nick and Nathan Blasi. The group’s launch began by franchising with Hawaiian Bros, a fast-growing brand best known for its Hawaiian lunch plates. Partnering with Hawaiian Bros was both a strategic and personal decision. Fugate wanted to find a brand that matched his operational expertise while introducing something new to the community. “Hawaiian Bros, being that it got its start in Kansas City, was close to home,” Fugate says. “Their volumes were great,” he notes, adding that the corporate team was excellent to work with and the restaurant culture was infectious. Fugate found the simplicity of the Hawaiian Bros’ menu and growth model to be appealing. In an industry challenged by ever-expanding menus and inventory complexity, this brand offered a clear alternative. “The ease of menu was…
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