Hawaiian Bros franchisee to open Springfield restaurant in early 2026

Last edited 3:15 p.m., Oct. 2, 2025 [Editor's note: The restaurant is slated to open by Feb. 1, 2026. A news release previously pointed to a fall 2025 projection.]

A franchisee of Kansas City-based Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has secured a building for a soon-to-open Springfield restaurant.

Franchisee Ohana Restaurant Group LLC has its sights set on an opening early next year for the restaurant at 1272 E. Battlefield Road, near the intersection with National Avenue. Ohana Restaraunt Group spokesperson Nick Blasi said via email that the restaurant would open by Feb. 1, 2026, with 45-50 employees.

Ohana Restaurant Group, which is owned by Zach Fugate and cousins Nick and Nathan Blasi, inked a franchise agreement with Hawaiian Bros in summer 2023, and it spelled out plans for the Springfield market, according to past reporting. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to serve Springfield the bold flavors and island-inspired atmosphere of Hawaiian Bros," Fugate said in a news release. "We’re confident the Hawaiian plate lunch will quickly become a local favorite, and we’re counting down the days until we can welcome everyone in."

The building set to become a Hawaiian Bros restaurant previously housed a Wendy's eatery. Ryan Murray, president of R.B. Murray Co., which brokered the real estate deal on behalf of Ohana Restaurant Group, said via email that the franchisee signed a lease for the roughly 2,700-square-foot property for undisclosed terms.

Jade Properties LLC owns the building, according to Greene County assessor records.

“We have been waiting for the right site for this concept, and after visiting Hawaiian Bros restaurants in other markets, we believe this is ... a perfect fit," Murray said in the release.

The release indicates Ohana Restaurant Group is seeking another location in the market.

Hawaiian Bros, which currently has over 60 restaurants in 10 states, serves chicken glazed with various sauces, slow-roasted pork and other menu options.