Hawaiian Bros opens Springfield restaurant

Kansas City-based Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is now doing business in the Queen City.

Franchisee Ohana Restaurant Group LLC today is hosting a grand opening for the 1272 E. Battlefield Road eatery, according to a news release.

“We're enthusiastic about expanding the ohana and bringing even more island-inspired flavors to the community," said Zach Fugate, co-owner of Ohana Restaurant Group, in the release. Ohana is a Hawaiian word meaning family, according to a dictionary maintained by the University of Hawaii.

The 2,700-square-foot building housing the Hawaiian Bros restaurant previously was used for a Wendy's eatery, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. Ohana Restaurant Group is operating on a lease in the building, which is owned by Jade Properties LLC, according to Greene County assessor records. Officials previously declined to disclose lease terms. 

Ohana Restaurant Group also has Missouri plans in the Joplin market, as well as locations in northwest Arkansas and Wichita, Kansas, according to past reporting.

Hawaiian Bros, which currently has nearly restaurants in 14 states, serves chicken glazed with various sauces, slow-roasted pork and other menu options.