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Hawaii-based Coconut's Fish Cafe plans mainland invasion

The brand's first franchisee, a multiunit operator in Texas, will open eight cafes between Dallas and Austin in the next 24 months

December 3, 2014

Hawaii-based brand Coconut's Fish Cafe announced plans to a expand through franchising in several US markets in 2015.

Initially, Coconut's is pinpointing key cities throughout the Southern and West Coast regions of the US. The brand's first franchisee, a multiunit operator in Texas, will open eight cafes between Dallas and Austin in the next 24 months. The first two locations will open in the Dallas market in late-2014 and early-2015, respectively.

"The brand has so many endearing qualities that operators can barely contain their excitement when they realize the opportunity before them with Coconut's,” said Michael Phillips, founder and CEO of Coconut's Fish Cafe, in a company press release. "Despite the interest over the years, we've been patient to start franchising, and now that we've begun, there is tremendous buzz with restaurant investors. It's amazing what happens when a brand like Coconut's delivers on its promise to bring world-class, Hawaiian-inspired dishes and a piece of Maui's distinctive environment to restaurants throughout the country. And, we're doing it with exceptional service focused on Aloha and Ohana (family).”

In addition to the planned Texas expansion, Coconut's earned approval in mid-2014 to expand through franchising in California. The brand has now located its mainland headquarters in Reno, Nevada, and will award multi- and single-unit opportunities in markets up and down the California coast to qualified restaurant investment groups and individuals in 2015.