Sharing Hawaii’s Island Tradition - Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cameron McNie, Founder and Co-CEO of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the co-founder and co-CEO of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill. Our customers are those looking to try the unique, simple, and delicious flavors of our island-inspired food and experience our kind and welcoming Aloha Spirit.

Tell us about yourself

My brother and I discovered we had a passion for the business and the food while working at a Hawaiian restaurant our parents owned as teenagers. As we got older, we got the itch to create something of our own with our philosophies in mind - which is how Hawaiian Bros was born. I am motivated by creating an incredible customer experience and company culture paired with amazing food that people really enjoy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as a business owner is successfully creating a brand that’s culture is centered around treating people with kindness and honoring Hawaiian culture with our island-inspired food.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is risk-taking. When my brother and I decided to start Hawaiian Bros, we gave up the jobs we had, and with that, we also gave up our stable and predictable lives. However, we soon realized that we were okay with losing that stability because we were creating something great that would ultimately outweigh those risks.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Make sure there is a market for your product - it is great to have a product or idea you want to pursue, but you have to make sure people are going to want to buy it.
2. Create a workplace culture that people want to be a part of - This industry is known for burnout, low salaries for managers, and high hours. We have a philosophy that we don’t own our employees, and we respect their time. We pay our team more and give them the ability to do things more efficiently, so there is a healthy balance.
3. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about the business - we have complied an incredible leadership team with industry veterans from across the country who truly care about the work they are doing and the mission behind Hawaiian Bros.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hawaiianbros.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiianBros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiianbros/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawaiian_bros?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-mcnie-8524a91a2/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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