# The Secret Strategy Behind L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Massive Expansion

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation-89320/the-secret-strategy-behind-l-l-hawaiian-barbecue-s-massive-expansion
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation-89320/the-secret-strategy-behind-l-l-hawaiian-barbecue-s-massive-expansion.md
Podcast: [Fast Casual Nation](https://stenobird.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation-89320)
Published: 2026-08-11T13:49:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-secret-strategy-behind-l-l-hawaiian-barbecue-s-massive-expansion--74207251
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74207251/utf_8_q_the_secret_strategy_behind_l_l_hawai_utf_8_q_ian_barbecue_e2_80_99s_massive_expansion_mp4.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/fast-casual-nation-89320/episodes/the-secret-strategy-behind-l-l-hawaiian-barbecue-s-massive-expansion
Duration seconds: 2271

## Resource

What does it take to scale a beloved regional icon into a fast-casual powerhouse with over 240 locations? In this episode, hosts Paul and Cherryh sit down with Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, to unpack the strategy, culture, and operational savvy behind one of fast casual's biggest success stories. Elisia shares how the rich, multicultural history of Hawaii’s iconic "plate lunch" translates into new markets across Texas, the West Coast, and now Canada. The conversation dives deep into the delicate dance between maintaining core brand identity and giving franchisees the freedom to express their own entrepreneurial spirit. Elisia breaks down how L&L tackles real-world economic challenges, leverages restaurant technology and loyalty programs to drive customer retention, and uses hyper-local marketing to build lasting community trust. ======================= Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support . Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/ Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heig…

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## Transcript

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