By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA–L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has reached a major milestone in California, opening its 100th location in the state with a new restaurant in Carlsbad.
The restaurant opened at 7610 Via Campanile, Suite 142 in La Costa Town Square and is owned by franchisee Chloe Tran. Her recent restaurant openings in Colton and Jurupa Valley helped the company achieve the 100-location benchmark in California.
The new Carlsbad restaurant offers dine-in service, takeout, mobile app ordering, third-party delivery and catering. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Company officials said the opening highlights the state’s position as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s largest U.S. market and reflects continued consumer demand for Hawaii’s Plate Lunch, the brand’s signature meal.
L&L’s growth throughout California has been fueled by both longtime operators and new franchisees drawn to the brand’s cultural roots and business model. The company said the Plate Lunch concept continues to appeal to customers in urban and suburban communities seeking familiar meals inspired by Hawaii’s local food culture.
“California continues to be one of the strongest growth markets for L&L because the demand for Hawaii’s local-style cuisine is already deeply established,” said Josie Akana, vice president of franchising for L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “The state’s proximity to Hawai‘i, combined with the number of former residents and frequent visitors who understand the Plate Lunch experience, has created long-term momentum for the brand.”
Akana said the company has also seen growing franchise interest from operators who recognize the popularity of Hawaiian barbecue and the opportunity to introduce Hawaii’s local food traditions to new communities.
Central to L&L’s menu is the Plate Lunch, which includes two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and a choice of protein. Popular dishes include the BBQ Mix featuring short ribs, beef and chicken, Chicken Katsu, Kalua Pork with Cabbage, Loco Moco and Garlic Shrimp.
“Reaching 100 locations in California is a proud moment for our brand, but it also carries special meaning,” said Elisia Flores, chief executive officer of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “California was the first location we chose to bring the Hawaiian Barbecue we love beyond Hawai‘i. That first expansion made Hawaii’s Plate Lunch more accessible to people who enjoy the flavors of the Islands, as well as those discovering them for the first time, without having to travel to Hawai‘i.”
Flores noted that the milestone is also personal for her family. She said her father immigrated to Hawai‘i and, alongside co-founder Johnson Kam, helped transform L&L from a local restaurant into an international brand.
Today, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue operates more than 235 locations worldwide, with additional California restaurants currently in development.
For more information, visit hawaiianbarbecue.com.
