L&L Hawaiian BBQ: Menu, Locations & Franchise Info

There’s a reason the plate lunch has become synonymous with Hawaiian comfort food: it’s hearty, affordable, and packed with flavor. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has been serving this island staple since 1952, growing from a single shop on O‘ahu into a franchise with locations across the mainland and beyond.

Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii ·
Specialty: Plate lunch ·
Known dishes: Chicken Katsu, Spam Musubi, Lau Lau ·
Franchise type: Hawaii-origin franchise ·
Official website: hawaiianbarbecue.com

Five key facts about L&L Hawaiian BBQ summarize its core identity.

Where can I find L&L Hawaiian BBQ near me?

Which states have L&L Hawaiian BBQ locations?

• Washington: Federal Way, Renton, Tumwater (L&L Locations page (state list))
• New York: Brooklyn, NYC (L&L Locations page (NY))
• California: Davis (L&L Locations page (CA))
• Georgia: Duluth (L&L Locations page (GA))
• Tennessee (L&L Locations page (TN))

What is the address of L&L Hawaiian BBQ in Federal Way, WA?

The Federal Way location is at 32225 Pacific Hwy S Ste 104, Federal Way, WA 98003, phone 253-946-0788 (L&L Federal Way page (address)).

Is L&L Hawaiian BBQ in Brooklyn, NY?

Yes, there is an L&L in Brooklyn (L&L Locations page (Brooklyn listing)).

The implication: L&L has spread from Hawaii to key mainland states but still lacks a dense national presence. For someone craving authentic plate lunch outside Hawaii, checking the location finder is the first step.

What is on the L&L Hawaiian BBQ menu?

What dishes are served?

• Chicken Katsu, Spam Musubi, Lau Lau (L&L Menu (official))
• BBQ Mix (beef, chicken, short ribs) ($13.95) (Honolulu Star-Advertiser (menu examples))
• Lighter Garlic Shrimp ($11.25, with brown rice and salad) (Star-Advertiser (lighter option))

Does L&L have a price list?

Menu prices vary by location; the official website provides general offerings but not universal prices (L&L Menu (no prices listed)). The 2021 Star-Advertiser article listed the BBQ Mix at $13.95 and the Lighter Garlic Shrimp at $11.25 (Star-Advertiser (pricing)).

What is a plate lunch?

L&L describes its plate lunches as “big enough for dinner” (L&L Menu (description)). The chain’s website says the plate lunch is “the comfort food of the islands” (L&L About (plate lunch definition)).

The trade-off: L&L’s menu stays true to Hawaiian comfort food with generous portions, but the lack of uniform pricing means customers should check local menus for current costs.

What is L&L Hawaiian BBQ known for?

What is the history of L&L Hawaiian BBQ?

• Began as a small shop on O‘ahu in 1952 (L&L About (history))
• Reputation for fresh, made-to-order plate lunches spread to multiple islands (L&L About (expansion))
• Now claims locations around the globe (L&L Homepage (global reach))

Why is it called ‘Hawaiian Barbecue’?

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue centers on the plate lunch, derived from local comfort food, not traditional barbecue (L&L About (plate lunch)). The brand describes itself as “the delicious treat from Hawai’i” rooted in plate lunch culture.

Is L&L Hawaiian BBQ a franchise?

Yes, L&L is a franchise operation with corporate offices in Renton, WA (L&L Franchise site (franchise info)). It calls itself the nation’s largest Hawaiian barbecue franchise.

The catch: while L&L markets itself as “Hawaiian Barbecue,” its identity is really about plate lunch—a distinction that matters for authenticity seekers.

Does L&L Hawaiian BBQ have franchise opportunities?

How do I open an L&L Hawaiian BBQ franchise?

• Initial franchise fee: $35,000 for first store; $20,000 for stores 2–5; $15,000 for 6th (L&L Franchise site (fee structure))
• Monthly royalty: 3% to 4% (L&L Franchise site (royalty))
• Monthly advertising fee: 1% to 2% (L&L Franchise site (ad fee))

What are the requirements to franchise?

The franchise site details fees but does not publicly list earnings or specific net worth requirements (L&L Franchise site (requirements)). Prospective franchisees should contact the corporate office directly.

What this means: For entrepreneurs interested in a proven Hawaiian food concept, L&L offers relatively low franchise fees compared to national chains. But the lack of public performance data means due diligence is essential.

What are the hours of operation for L&L Hawaiian BBQ?

What time does L&L open and close?

• Renton location: Monday–Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (L&L Renton page (hours))
• Federal Way location: Monday–Tuesday 10:30 am – 9:00 pm (L&L Federal Way page (hours))

Is L&L open on Sundays?

Yes, the Renton location is open Sunday 10am–8pm (L&L Renton (Sunday hours)). Other locations may have different Sunday hours.

What is the phone number for L&L Hawaiian BBQ?

Corporate: 425-227-6980 (L&L Franchise site (contact)). Individual store numbers vary. If you’re looking for a special meal, check out this Mother’s Day brunch guide. Mother’s Day brunch guide

The trade-off: Hours vary by location, so customers should verify before visiting—especially on Sundays or holidays.

The pattern: hours and contact details vary by location, so verifying before visiting is essential.

“The delicious treat from Hawai’i that locals and visitors have known for years is derived from the plate lunch – the comfort food of the islands.”

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue official website (brand description)

“[L&L] serves classic Hawaiian dishes like Chicken Katsu, Spam Musubi, and Lau Lau, made with fresh ingredients and served in large portions.”

L&L Hawaiian BBQ Tumwater location page (menu description)

“The nation’s largest Hawaiian barbecue franchise.”

L&L Franchise site (brand claim)

For anyone searching for authentic plate lunch outside Hawaii, the choice is clear: check L&L’s location finder, or consider bringing a franchise to your area if it’s missing.