L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has officially moved into the heart of Honolulu retail life, opening a new food-court counter Friday in Ala Moana Center's Ewa wing and giving hungry shoppers one more reason to stop in before heading back to the parking structure. A celebratory crowd turned out for the debut, which mixed traditional fanfare with corporate remarks as the chain brought its plate-lunch staples into Oʻahu's largest shopping center.
Grand opening drew traditional fanfare
Co-founder Eddie Flores Jr. and local franchise owners helped cut the metaphorical ribbon, greeting customers as the new spot opened with a traditional lion-dance performance and early-bird giveaways, according to KHON2. The station also reported that the festivities came with a limited-time discount and commemorative items for those who showed up to christen the counter.
New counter's home and company background
On its locations page, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue lists the new outpost as "Ala Moana Center - Coming Soon!" at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Unit 1160L, inside the mall's food court. Over on its visitor information page, Ala Moana Center notes that it is home to more than 350 stores and restaurants and bills itself as the world's largest open-air shopping center, which means the fresh L&L counter is positioned squarely in front of a steady stream of both locals and tourists. The new tenant slips into an already crowded lineup of quick-service options in the center's food-court zone.
Part of a wider expansion push
Industry outlet Shopping Center Business listed L&L among the tenants pegged to open at Ala Moana this month as part of a broader leasing wave at the property. KHON2 also reported that the brand is planning additional openings in California, Washington, Tennessee, Indiana and Maryland through 2026, building on a run of new mainland locations in recent weeks.
What to expect from the menu and service
The Ala Moana counter is set up to serve the chain's usual plate-lunch lineup in quick-service fashion, including barbecue chicken, chicken katsu, loco moco and Spam musubi, all tailored to the grab-it-and-go rhythm of mall dining. The opening follows L&L's recent work on the islands, including a remodeled Sand Island location earlier this spring, according to QSR Magazine.
Shoppers looking to check it out can keep an eye on the mall's event calendar or the chain's locations page for current hours and any short-term promotions. Expect straightforward food-court service and the familiar plate-lunch combinations that have made the brand a long-running local go-to.
