AI Playbook for Restaurant Owners
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Discover how Mo'Bettahs, a Hawaiian cuisine concept, achieved rapid growth and expansion while maintaining focus on key operational fundamentals.
Photo by Austin Distel
Mo'Bettahs, a Hawaiian cuisine concept founded by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack in 2008 in Bountiful, Utah, has emerged as a major player in the restaurant industry. With a focus on introducing authentic Hawaiian food to a broader audience, Mo'Bettahs capitalized on the demographic shift of native Hawaiians moving to the U.S. mainland. The brand's strategic approach and dedication to quality have propelled it to significant success, reaching about $80 million in sales and expanding to over 50 locations by the end of 2023.
Photo by Austin Distel
CEO Rob Ertmann, a seasoned industry professional who took the helm in 2021, emphasized the importance of strategic growth over reckless expansion. By prioritizing key operational fundamentals such as food quality, service, and margins, Mo'Bettahs ensured sustainable growth. Ertmann's focus on maintaining store-level margins in the mid-20% range and average unit volumes close to $2 million has attracted significant development interest, paving the way for continued expansion.
Mo'Bettahs' success lies in its efficiency-driven approach to operations. The company constantly evaluates processes to enhance efficiency, from in-house preparation of ingredients to labor optimization. By refusing to compromise on product quality and portion sizes while seeking opportunities to streamline operations, Mo'Bettahs has managed to improve margins and control costs effectively.
Photo by Austin Distel
The strategic expansion roadmap of Mo'Bettahs revolves around building upon established corridors while identifying new growth opportunities. By focusing on existing markets with strong distribution and operational infrastructures, the brand ensures sustainable growth. Ertmann's cautious approach to expansion ensures that new locations are within manageable distances to maintain operational efficiency and profitability.
Photo by Austin Distel
Looking ahead, Mo'Bettahs has ambitious plans for further growth, anticipating well over 100 units within the next three to five years. Ertmann envisions the brand's Hawaiian barbecue and plates appealing to a national audience, highlighting the potential for nationwide expansion. By staying true to its core values of quality, comfort, and value, Mo'Bettahs aims to carve out a unique space in communities seeking authentic and wholesome dining experiences.