• by Teresa Buyikian , August 11, 2023

As fires continue to rage on the island of Maui, leveling the historic tourist town of Lahaina and with no end in sight, Hawaiian BBQ restaurants in the U.S. are doing their part to help those in need.

L&L Hawaiian BBQ has joined the relief effort by donating one dollar for every customer order made through its official L&L Hawaiian Barbecue mobile app and website orders, up to $10,000. Contributions to the Oahu, Hawaii-based chain will be donated to the American Red Cross of Hawaii to provide shelter and comfort to thousands of fire evacuees.

L&L will run the charitable program through Aug. 31 at select locations throughout its 200 units. The chain’s Lahaina Shopping Center location has unfortunately been completely destroyed by the fires.

"We are humbly asking our supporters, customers, and franchisees across the nation to join us in our effort to support the people of Maui during this challenging time,” said Elisia Flores, chief executive officer of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “This is a time to show the spirit and strength of aloha."

Founded over 50 years ago in Hawaii and introduced to the mainland in 1999, L&L continues to grow, opening 26 stores during the pandemic between 2020 and 2022, and three new locations in 2023. The chain also has two stores in Japan.

Another Hawaiian BBQ chain is also doing its part for relief efforts. Ono Hawaiian BBQ announced via email and Instagram that the chain will donate 50% of all online sales on Aug. 11, to the Hawaii Community Fund. Orders must be made via the company’s website.

The family-owned restaurant brand Ono, founded in 2002, recently surpassed the 100-unit milestone in the continental U.S. with new locations in California and Arizona.