Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill (3 Metro Locations)

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Sep 01, 2020 10:30 pm

Is the potential of this place possibly opening up shop in Omaha a big deal?..

The W-H ran a story this evening based on their Instagram and Facebook posts..indicating they’ll be opening up in Omaha soon. This is not, however, confirmed on their website. Apparently, this place serves Spam as a side dish for their main entrees, lol. I dunno, it’s hard for me to get fired up about Spam..athough I think their T-shirts are cool

. I’ll move this out of Rumors if we get an official confirmation..

In the meantime, from the W-H-

“Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill — with its Spam side dish — is opening an Omaha location, according to teaser posts from the parent company on Instagram and Facebook.

The outlet will be the first in Nebraska. The fast-casual chain now has locations in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.”..

The W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/entertainment/dining/ ... op-story-1

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:08 am

I remeber another place that per their social media presence indicated that an Omaha location was coming. Will wait a bit to see if this is real.

BPHusker · Post by **BPHusker** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:56 pm

Are there any updates on this? Just stopped at one in KC and it was really good.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:12 am

Spam is amazing but... Over all I find Hawaiian food just OK.

I'd probably eat it though, as I assume it's fast food. And just about anything is better than typical fast food places.

cchandler790 · Post by **cchandler790** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:24 pm

BPHusker wrote: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:56 pm Are there any updates on this? Just stopped at one in KC and it was really good.

This is what they said on Instagram, a day ago. "Aloha! We love your enthusiasm for our brand. We don’t currently have plans to open in Omaha, but we’ll share your request with our real estate development team and hopefully make our way to you one day soon. Mahalo!"

On Facebook, they said this Aloha! We're still looking for locations in Omaha as our last prospective location is no longer available. We're keeping our eyes peeled for the perfect spot. Thanks for being a fan!

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:53 pm

cchandler790 wrote: Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:24 pm
BPHusker wrote: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:56 pm Are there any updates on this? Just stopped at one in KC and it was really good.
This is what they said on Instagram, a day ago. "Aloha! We love your enthusiasm for our brand. We don’t currently have plans to open in Omaha, but we’ll share your request with our real estate development team and hopefully make our way to you one day soon. Mahalo!"

On Facebook, they said this Aloha! We're still looking for locations in Omaha as our last prospective location is no longer available. We're keeping our eyes peeled for the perfect spot. Thanks for being a fan!

Well, I think this means adios- zero chance of this place setting up shop in Omaha..

Frankly, I had forgotten about it…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 2:27 pm

They've done really well in KC. I think with the latest one that's getting ready to open they will be up to 7 down there (plus one in Lawrence).

Greg

Jwingnut · Post by **Jwingnut** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:19 pm

In the last week or two, they've added replies to both their original Facebook and Instagram posts indicating that they are still opening this year and will be releasing more details soon. We stop every time we go through KC. Can't wait to have them locally.

Jwingnut · Post by **Jwingnut** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:22 pm

Now I found conflicting response, in the same week. Too many people have access to that Instagram post.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:10 pm

cchandler790 wrote: Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:24 pm
BPHusker wrote: Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:56 pm Are there any updates on this? Just stopped at one in KC and it was really good.
This is what they said on Instagram, a day ago. "Aloha! We love your enthusiasm for our brand. We don’t currently have plans to open in Omaha, but we’ll share your request with our real estate development team and hopefully make our way to you one day soon. Mahalo!"

On Facebook, they said this Aloha! We're still looking for locations in Omaha as our last prospective location is no longer available. We're keeping our eyes peeled for the perfect spot. Thanks for being a fan!

That's basically the response when I asked MicroCenter to open an Omaha location. Preferably near NFM / midtown.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 3:08 pm

I really enjoyed this place in KC.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 4:50 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:10 pm

That's basically the response when I asked MicroCenter to open an Omaha location. Preferably near NFM / midtown.

We have a Microcenter here in the Detroit area, Madison Heights, and I am a HUGE fan. Amazingly knowledgeable staff, zero pressure, huge inventory, great prices. Service wise they'd eat the Mart's lunch. Take a look at their web site.

While I will always be a Nebraskan & an Omahan, living in a city big enough to have IKEA, Microcenter, Macys, Nordstroms, more than a couple of Costcos, and a world of local restaurants along with the usual suspects in the chain restaurant area, along with all four major sports franchises ( Yeah, I know, 0-9-1, but still) and all the rest of the large metro perks and an airport that has non stops around the world is very nice.

I'd still trade it all for La Casa.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Mon Nov 29, 2021 11:25 am

Oh come on now. There must be a plethora of great little pizzerias in metro Detroit.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Mon Nov 29, 2021 1:44 pm

Yeah, but Detroit style pizza has that new-car smell.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun May 07, 2023 4:15 pm

Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill is set to open four Omaha area locations.

The story says the first location is Gretna SW if I80 and 370

Wonder if they are redoing the old Taco Johns Building new somewhere near

https://omaha.com/community/sarpy/news/ ... 77e6f.html

Post by **Brad** » Mon May 08, 2023 8:38 am

nebugeater wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 4:15 pm Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill is set to open four Omaha area locations.

The story says the first location is Gretna SW if I80 and 370

Wonder if they are redoing the old Taco Johns Building new somewhere near

https://omaha.com/community/sarpy/news/ ... 77e6f.html

So the article posted above mentioned that its came from the Grow Omaha Weekly Market Report, and in the Grow Omaha article from last Thursday it mentions the Hawaiian Bros is being opened by DKPM Investment. It looks like DKPM Investment is also the local Jimmy John's franchise owner.

The old Taco John's Building is owned by Brian L Schmidt of Greenwood, but I am still trying to connect the dots between The old Taco John's and DKPM Investment. Not saying its not going there, just can't connect the dots yet.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon May 08, 2023 9:19 am

Brad wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 8:38 am
nebugeater wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 4:15 pm Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill is set to open four Omaha area locations.

The story says the first location is Gretna SW if I80 and 370

Wonder if they are redoing the old Taco Johns Building new somewhere near

https://omaha.com/community/sarpy/news/ ... 77e6f.html
So the article posted above mentioned that its came from the Grow Omaha Weekly Market Report, and in the Grow Omaha article from last Thursday it mentions the Hawaiian Bros is being opened by DKPM Investment. It looks like DKPM Investment is also the local Jimmy John's franchise owner.

The old Taco John's Building is owned by Brian L Schmidt of Greenwood, but I am still trying to connect the dots between The old Taco John's and DKPM Investment. Not saying its not going there, just can't connect the dots yet.

No idea that this is where they land. Only speculation on my end. They state they will be open by the end of the year. A new build and opening can be done in that timeframe, but it would be tight. This is another "hint" that it may be going into an existing building.

Post by **Brad** » Mon May 08, 2023 9:26 am

Oh yeah, I'm not disagreeing. I also agree they most likely won't get a new building up by years end unless they start asap.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Mon May 08, 2023 10:48 am

I like Hawaiian Brothers. Solid addition to the market.

MadJack · Post by **MadJack** » Mon May 08, 2023 9:43 pm

nebugeater wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 9:19 am
Brad wrote: Mon May 08, 2023 8:38 am
nebugeater wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 4:15 pm Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill is set to open four Omaha area locations.

The story says the first location is Gretna SW if I80 and 370

Wonder if they are redoing the old Taco Johns Building new somewhere near

https://omaha.com/community/sarpy/news/ ... 77e6f.html
So the article posted above mentioned that its came from the Grow Omaha Weekly Market Report, and in the Grow Omaha article from last Thursday it mentions the Hawaiian Bros is being opened by DKPM Investment. It looks like DKPM Investment is also the local Jimmy John's franchise owner.

The old Taco John's Building is owned by Brian L Schmidt of Greenwood, but I am still trying to connect the dots between The old Taco John's and DKPM Investment. Not saying its not going there, just can't connect the dots yet.
No idea that this is where they land. Only speculation on my end. They state they will be open by the end of the year. A new build and opening can be done in that timeframe, but it would be tight. This is another "hint" that it may be going into an existing building.

They are going to build from the ground up. I believe it's a lot closer to the Holiday Inn.

onelocalfoods · Post by **onelocalfoods** » Fri May 12, 2023 11:02 pm

Love this place. Very pleased to have this here.

Stvbec74 · Post by **Stvbec74** » Sat May 13, 2023 2:31 am

Finally! Living in KC for a few years I’ve always hoped they would expand here. Love the place!

Post by **Brad** » Thu Sep 21, 2023 2:52 pm

Grow Omaha Market Report wrote:Construction has started on Nebraska’s first Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill next to a Tidal Wave carwash in Wick’s Southpointe development southwest of Interstate 80 & Highway 370 in Gretna. Opening is planned for mid-January. The local franchisee, DKPM Investments, eventually plans to open four Omaha metro locations and several others throughout Nebraska and western Iowa.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm

I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Fri Sep 22, 2023 10:33 am

nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?

Affluent location in Gretna. 80 and 370 has decent interstate access.

Most new additions have been choosing Gretna and Elkhorn of late. That trend will continue over time.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:16 am

nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?

Do YOu get out much?

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:55 am

nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?

It's on the streetcar line. Also the high speed rail from Lincoln to Eppley.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 2:50 pm

nebugeater wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:16 am
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?
Do YOu get out much?

I don’t know? I usually eat dinner out twice a week, and lunch at a restaurant about as often. We love to cook at home but we also appreciate chef driven venues. We are on our third “Restaurant Week” venue tonight.
For the life of me I cannot think of a single “destination” type restaurant anywhere near 156th and Hwy 370. But I don’t live in Sarpy County and other than a few favorite restaurants off 84th and Giles I almost never head that far for dinner. If there are some new places in that vicinity worth a 20 minute drive by all means please let us all know what they are.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 3:46 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 2:50 pm For the life of me I cannot think of a single “destination” type restaurant anywhere near 156th and Hwy 370. But I don’t live in Sarpy County and other than a few favorite restaurants off 84th and Giles I almost never head that far for dinner. If there are some new places in that vicinity worth a 20 minute drive by all means please let us all know what they are.

156th & Hwy 370 is all fast food restaurants. Closest non-fast food restaurant is Lanskey’s up on 168. 370 is growing fast but not with many restaurants to this point.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 4:07 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 2:50 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:16 am
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?
Do YOu get out much?
I don’t know? I usually eat dinner out twice a week, and lunch at a restaurant about as often. We love to cook at home but we also appreciate chef driven venues. We are on our third “Restaurant Week” venue tonight.
For the life of me I cannot think of a single “destination” type restaurant anywhere near 156th and Hwy 370. But I don’t live in Sarpy County and other than a few favorite restaurants off 84th and Giles I almost never head that far for dinner. If there are some new places in that vicinity worth a 20 minute drive by all means please let us all know what they are.

I don't think this is a destination food type of restaurant. It's more like a chipotle, based on what I've seen.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:56 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 2:50 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:16 am
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:25 pm I wonder why they are selecting a location that’s pretty much out in the middle of nowhere?
Do YOu get out much?
I don’t know? I usually eat dinner out twice a week, and lunch at a restaurant about as often. We love to cook at home but we also appreciate chef driven venues. We are on our third “Restaurant Week” venue tonight.
For the life of me I cannot think of a single “destination” type restaurant anywhere near 156th and Hwy 370. But I don’t live in Sarpy County and other than a few favorite restaurants off 84th and Giles I almost never head that far for dinner. If there are some new places in that vicinity worth a 20 minute drive by all means please let us all know what they are.

Eight of us went to Talus on 109th near 370, and everyone enjoyed their meal. Nice “sit down” restaurant, nice outdoor space; good service. My Papillion relatives thought it was as good as it gets for Sarpy County. It’s worth checking out.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 9:37 pm

ricko wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:56 pm Eight of us went to Talus on 109th near 370, and everyone enjoyed their meal. Nice “sit down” restaurant, nice outdoor space; good service. My Papillion relatives thought it was as good as it gets for Sarpy County. It’s worth checking out.

Sounds interesting. I will have to look up their menu online. We really prefer to dine outdoors whenever the weather cooperates.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:12 pm

they do have the sign up on there; i ended up having to run to walmart (forgot it was valentine's day) on my lunch and saw it.

their menu looks good, I'd like to try it

https://hawaiianbros.com/menu/

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:03 pm

thenewguy wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:12 pm they do have the sign up on there; i ended up having to run to walmart (forgot it was valentine's day) on my lunch and saw it.

their menu looks good, I'd like to try it

https://hawaiianbros.com/menu/

They took don't the scaffold and plastic they had around the entire building for construction sometime in the last week. I was by that WM on Monday evening and noticed this.

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:03 am

I ate at a Hawaiian Bros. in Fort Worth on my way to Galveston for a wedding last September. It was good, and I would go again. I wish that the location we went to had Spam on the menu.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:08 am

The Gretna location is now on their website as coming soon.

Early in the week, when I added this thread to the other that mentioned this thread in the Walmart development thread, I am pretty sure it was not there yet.

https://hawaiianbros.com/locations/

They are also on Indeed looking for help

On their posting there it stated expecting a Mid March opening

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Hawaiian+ ... f8f7b0ce76

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:58 am

zippy wrote: Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:03 am I ate at a Hawaiian Bros. in Fort Worth on my way to Galveston for a wedding last September. It was good, and I would go again. I wish that the location we went to had Spam on the menu.

I'll make you some spam and eggs or spam musubi at my house.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:28 pm

Soft open today and tomorrow ( Sat). My wife drove by a while ago, and she said the line of cars made her think it was a Chic Fil La !!!!

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:26 am

nebugeater wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:28 pm Soft open today and tomorrow ( Sat). My wife drove by a while ago, and she said the line of cars made her think it was a Chic Fil La !!!!

were doing free lunches...and a new brand in omaha. we don't have a lot in this town, so people come from far and wide. Cletus and Ethel get the kids on the back of the tractor and head out to see what all the fussin is about with the new fangled eatery.

I like Hawaiian Bros. Solid, slightly different option for lunch. They picked an oddish location, but I'm happy they are in the market now.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:48 am

omaha79 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:26 am
nebugeater wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:28 pm Soft open today and tomorrow ( Sat). My wife drove by a while ago, and she said the line of cars made her think it was a Chic Fil La !!!!
were doing free lunches...and a new brand in omaha. we don't have a lot in this town, so people come from far and wide. Cletus and Ethel get the kids on the back of the tractor and head out to see what all the fussin is about with the new fangled eatery.

I like Hawaiian Bros. Solid, slightly different option for lunch. They picked an oddish location, but I'm happy they are in the market now.

Was by there on Sat on my way back from Costco and stopped at Walmart. it was 11 AM, and the line for the drive threw wrapped onto the main road to walmart well past before you got to Taco Ball.

I guess the Cletus and Ethel group you refer to must all live in Douglas, Sarpy, or Lancaster County because they mostly had XXX YYY plate numbers.

As for a strange location, maybe you just need to get out more. There is plenty of rooftops near by and the I-80 traffic. Think it is a Great location for first to market location selection.