L&L Puts Aloha Spirit into Practice

4 Min Read By MRM Staff

When the COVID-19 pandemic started to take effect, Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and company executives embarked on a listening tour with franchisees in 15 states and Japan that resulted in more than 95 percent of the 200 locations to not only remain open, but stay profitable. 

Taking this personalized approach helped many quickly adapt and modify operations  using problem-solving skills tailored to the unique conditions of their individual markets.  For example, the L&L Colorado Springs, Colorado location used a small wagon attached to a remote-controlled car to bring food from the store to the parking lot during curbside delivery, top photo.

Sarah Yee, who owns an L&L franchise in San Antonio, Texas, kept all 16 of her employees working their regular hours while growing her existing customer base. She saw double digit percentage sales increases in March, April and May. 

The franchisees were community forward as well. Each Friday, L&L’s social media platforms…