The consistent growth of the fast-casual dining sector has increasingly highlighted a strong consumer appetite for authentic international flavors, and Ono Hawaiian BBQ is capitalizing on this trend by expanding its footprint in Orange County. The family-owned, California-based restaurant chain announced the opening of its second location in Anaheim, a move designed to deepen its community ties by serving a new part of the city. This new establishment will complement the brand’s popular existing restaurant on Katella Avenue, providing greater access to its Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches for residents and visitors alike. Since its inception in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ has distinguished itself with a commitment to fresh, grilled-to-order proteins and flavorful house-made sauces, a formula that has fueled its growth to over 120 locations. This latest expansion is a clear indicator of the brand’s robust health and its strategic focus on key suburban markets with a proven demand for its unique culinary offerings, reinforcing its position as a leader in the fast-casual Pacific Islander food segment.
A Strategic Location for Enhanced Accessibility
Strategically situated at 292 E. Orangethorpe Ave., near the bustling intersection of S. Lemon St., the new Ono Hawaiian BBQ is positioned to capture a significant flow of local and commuter traffic. The location was carefully selected to serve a previously underserved part of Anaheim, making the brand’s offerings more accessible to a new demographic. The facility itself is a brand-new construction, built from the ground up to meet the specific demands of a modern fast-casual operation. It features a contemporary dining room designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests who choose to dine in. A key addition to this location is a convenient drive-thru, a feature that directly addresses the need for speed and convenience among on-the-go customers. This dual-service model allows the restaurant to cater effectively to different dining preferences, from leisurely family meals to quick pickups during a busy workday. The investment in new construction underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the area and its dedication to providing a high-quality customer experience from the moment a guest arrives.
Grand Opening Celebrations and Future Horizons
The grand opening celebration on Friday, December 19, marked a significant milestone for Ono Hawaiian BBQ and the Anaheim community. The day’s events, which ran from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., successfully drew large crowds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways of limited-edition merchandise, and a highly anticipated one-day-only Buy One, Get One Free promotion exclusive to the new location. This successful launch event not only introduced the new restaurant to the neighborhood but also reinforced the brand’s deep-rooted connection to its customers. The company, founded in 2002, has built its reputation on serving authentic Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches with fresh ingredients, a model that has propelled its growth to over 120 restaurants across California and Arizona. The opening of the second Anaheim location was viewed as a strategic step in its ongoing expansion, which includes new markets in Texas and San Diego. The positive reception on opening day provided strong validation for the company’s growth strategy and set a promising precedent for its future ventures in other competitive markets.
