Staffing

Hawaiian Bros hires Shannon Scott as CMO

Photo: HB

January 13, 2026

Hawaiian Bros has named Shannon Scott as its chief marketing officer, the company announced Tuesday, as the island-inspired restaurant chain prepares for a period of rapid national expansion and franchise growth.

Scott, an experienced brand strategist, will oversee national and local marketing, digital engagement, menu storytelling and market entry strategies. She officially takes the role after serving in a fractional capacity for the company over the past year.

"Shannon is the kind of leader who elevates the entire organization, bringing strategic discipline, creativity and an instinct for how to build brands people care about," Scott Ford, CEO of Hawaiian Bros, said in a company press release.

Before joining Hawaiian Bros, Scott served as chief strategy officer and deputy executive vice president at the American Academy of Family Physicians. Her background also includes more than a decade as a marketing executive at Applebee's, where she managed brand initiatives and supported franchise operators for one of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S.

The appointment comes as the Kansas City-based company continues a high-growth trajectory. Since its founding in 2018, Hawaiian Bros has expanded to more than 70 restaurants across 12 states.

"This brand has a powerful story, an unmistakable energy, and a culture rooted in genuine hospitality," Scott said in the release. "My focus will be strengthening the emotional connection guests feel for Hawaiian Bros and building a marketing platform that supports franchisees in every market."

Hawaiian Bros has recently gained industry attention for its growth, appearing on the "Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers" list.