Mo’ Bettahs is in growth mode, with recent coverage noting a shift in ownership alongside continued expansion plans. Here are the highlights and what they imply for the chain.
Key points
- Ownership transition: In 2024, Mo’ Bettahs moved to new majority ownership involving private equity firms Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital, while founders Kimo and Kalani Mack and Savory Fund retained minority stakes. This signals a structured growth phase under new governance.[1][2]
- Growth trajectory and locations: The brand has been expanding beyond its Utah roots, with additional locations reported across multiple states and a target to add dozens more by the mid-2020s. Technomic and industry outlets have highlighted robust unit growth leading into 2025, with plans to continue scaling.[2][7]
- Revenue and momentum: Mo’ Bettahs posted strong sales growth prior to and around the ownership transition, with reports indicating rapid year-over-year increases and an active rewards program, suggesting healthy consumer demand and brand pull.[4][2]
- Market perception: Industry coverage framed Mo’ Bettahs as a high-potential growth concept in fast-casual Hawaiian cuisine, with leadership emphasizing founder involvement and ongoing expansion across new markets.[7][8]
What this means for you
- If you’re tracking press or considering investment, expect continued expansion announcements, store openings, and possible updates on new markets or prototype concepts tied to the brand’s Hawaii-inspired menu.[2][7]
- For potential franchisees or operators, there may be opportunities aligned with the new ownership group’s growth strategy; stay tuned for official disclosures from Blue Marlin Partners, Trive Capital, or Mo’ Bettahs’ corporate communications.[9][2]
Illustration
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The chart below outlines a rough trajectory inferred from public reporting: growth in location count (2023 → 2025) and rising system sales, with ownership transition occurring around 2024. This aligns with a strategy of scaling through private equity-backed partnerships and leveraging the Mack brothers’ leadership.
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Mo’ Bettahs location expansion and ownership changes (idea only)
- 2023: ~50 locations, strong YoY growth
- 2024: majority stake sale to Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital; founders retain minority stakes
- 2025–2026: continued expansion into additional states and markets; new growth announcements expected
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline of public announcements and pull the latest official statements from Mo’ Bettahs and the involved private equity firms, with direct citations.
Sources
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Restaurant is giving guests a glimpse of the diverse ocean lifestyle that’s signature to the Hawaiian islands through its brand-new prototype. After growing up in Oahu, brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack set out to create a restaurant that reflects their love for Hawaii’s unique culture, delicious food and the Pacific Ocean. Now, in […]
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