Operations
Hawaiian fast casual loses store to wildfires, raises funds for workers
L&L's store in Lahaina, Hawaii was lost to flames from the wildfires and its Honokowai location is temporarily closed due to no electricity or water. Nearly 20 employees have lost their jobs and or homes, inspiring the company to arrange temporary housing as well as employment opportunities for the displaced staff.
August 16, 2023 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
While search and rescue efforts are still underway in the aftermath of last week's wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, which left 106 people dead and destroyed nearly every building in the town of Lahaina, employees from Oahu-based L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's 220 locations are doing everything they can to help colleagues and community members recover from the devastation.
L&L's store in Lahaina was lost to the flames, and its Honokowai location is temporarily closed due to no electricity or water. While franchisees and staff are safe, about 17 employees have lost their jobs and or homes, inspiring the company to arrange temporary housing — some are staying with friends and relatives of the company's owners — as well as employment opportunities for the displaced staff. L&L Hawaii has also pledged to donate $1 for every customer order made through its mobile app and online website orders.
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| The L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Lahaina is destroyed by the wildfires. |
The company, which has five locations on Maui Island and nearly 65 throughout Hawaii, owes its success to the franchisees and employees, who are part of a "growing global Ohana (family)," CEO Elisia Flores said in an email interview to FastCasual.
"We are humbly asking our supports, customers, and franchisees across the nation to join us in our effort to support the people of Maui during this challenging time," Flores said. The chain is also matching donations up to $10,000 through August to the American Red Cross of Hawaii, which is providing shelter and comfort to thousands of people who were forced to evacuate due to the massive fires.
"The funds will directly benefit the thousands of individuals who were forced to evacuate and are now seeking shelter and assistance," Flores said. "This is a time to show the spirit and strength of aloha, which has been our commitment and mission throughout the years."
Although it's too early for specific planning details, Flores said she hopes to reopen the Honokowai store as soon as electricity and the Internet are restored; rebuilding is the goal for the Lahaina restaurant.
"Our plans are to definitely rebuild, not necessarily at the same location but on Maui," she said. "L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is very popular on Maui, both with local residents and tourists. We do not have a timetable at this time."
The Lahaina fire caused about $3.2 billion in insured property losses, according to Karen Clark & Company, a disaster and risk modeling company, which said the number reflects only insured property. Over 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and 3,000 were damaged by fire, smoke or both. As of Tuesday night, the town's power company restored power to over 10,000 customers, but nearly 2,000 homes and businesses don't have electricity, according to Maui County. The fire also contaminated water supplies in many areas.
Other fast casuals joining the fight
Dallas based-Raising Cane's will donate 15% of Thursday's profits from its 750 locations to Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in support of the fires.
"Maui holds such a special place in my heart — not only is it where my wife and I got married, but it's also home to one of our restaurants and so many residents and customers that have always been so kind to us," Raising Cane's Founder Todd Graves said in a company press release. "I'm glad all of our restaurants are able to come together to generate a donation for such a great cause that is in critical need of support at this time. KHAKO is an amazing organization that has done so much to serve the people of Maui and they continue going above and beyond each day to further help those displaces by the wildfires."
The donation will be automatically applied to all orders, and customers do not need to mention the fundraiser.
To support its home state and culture, Mo' Bettahs is partnering with Aloha ShoYu to help with relief efforts. Throughout the remainder of August, every purchase of Mo' Bettahs' specialty Teri Sauce Bottles will benefit the Hawai'i Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund, which equips the community with the necessary resources for disaster preparedness, immediate response and subsequent recovery.
Each bottle is $4.99, and customers can purchase in-store or through the Mo' Bettahs mobile app, according to the company.
Jinya Ramen Bar is participating in "Chefs for Hope," a one-night fundraiser on Sept. 4 at the Hawaii Convention Center. It will feature 20 food-and-beverage stations as well as live performances from some of Hawaii's best entertainers, according to an Instagram post by Chef Chef Chai Chaowasaree, the owner of Chef Chai in Honolulu. The expected number of attendees is about 1,000 guests, and all tickets sales go directly to the victims. Everything will be donated from rentals and food to beverages to entertainment and staffing.
"We've shown our kokua before when natural disasters have happened, and we've all chipped in," Chai wrote in the post. "We can do this again! So far, Miro Kaimuki, Side Street Inn, Bubbly & Blue and Chef Chai have all committed."
Founded in 2010, Jinya also operates bushi by Jinya, Robata Jinya, LBD Japanese Bar and Lounge and Jinya Ramen Express.
Panda Restaurant Group, the parent company of Panda Express, is pledging up to $2 million to the American Red Cross to provide essential care for the individuals affected by the Hawaii wildfires through the Panda Cares Foundation fundraising program and a dollar-for-dollar corporate match. From now through August 21 at participating U.S. locations, 100% of guest donations collected through the in-store Panda Cares Donation Boxes and online will be matched up to $1 million by Panda Express to benefit Hawaii wildfires victims, according to a company press release.
Panda Express operations in Maui collaborated with the Salvation Army and Red Cross this past weekend to host a Panda Cares event, feeding over 600 first responders and community members displaced by the fires. Additional free meals will be provided to local community members throughout the month. All locations in Maui are operating in full service with the exception of the Lahaina store, which is closed temporarily.
"The impact of the Maui wildfires has been devastating, and we extend our heartfelt empathy and care to those who have been affected by this tragedy, including our local Panda associates," Peggy Cherng, co-founder and Cco-CEO of Panda Express. "Giving is a core value at Panda, and we are grateful to establish this matching fund that will double the generosity of our guests and associates in support of the Maui community."
Now through August 31, Detroit-based Mootz Pizzeria is donating a portion of sales of its Hawaiian pizzas to the cause. For every sale of a 14-inch Hawaiian or Spicy Hawaiian pizza, the restaurant will donate $5 to the Maui Strong Fund, which provides financial resources to support those impacted by the fires, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Urban Egg, which has nine locations in Colorado and Kansas, is donating funds to support the fire's victims. A $3 donation will be made for each Maui Waui Mimosa and Fred's Hawaain Pancakes sold through September 30. All proceeds will benefit the Maui Food Bank. Donations, on the other hand, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000.
"Our hearts go out to those impacted by the wildfires in Maui," Randy Price, owner of Urban Egg and its parent company Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group, said in an interview with KRDO. "After the Colorado wildfires, we understand the devastating impact these fires have on the affected communities. Our guests are caring and want to help support those in Maui in this time of need."
About Cherryh Cansler
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