The Arizona food scene is getting a tropical infusion. Mo’ Bettahs, a well-known Hawaiian-style restaurant chain, has officially set its sights on the Grand Canyon State for its latest expansion. According to a release shared with MISRYOUM, the company is preparing to open its first Arizona location in Gilbert. It is a bold move for the brand, which has steadily grown its footprint across the mainland since its humble beginnings back in 2008. Founded by two brothers who wanted to share the authentic spirit of the islands, the chain now boasts nearly 80 locations spread across seven states.
This isn’t just a one-off opening, though. The Gilbert expansion is actually a small piece of a much larger puzzle. The company is currently executing a wider growth strategy that includes targeting metro Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis. Honestly, it is quite an aggressive play for a restaurant that started with such a simple premise: serving up traditional plate lunches. The new site, conveniently located at the intersection of Power and Ray Roads, will be taking over a building formerly occupied by a Carl’s Jr. restaurant.
It is the perfect spot for hungry locals to grab a bite.
For those unfamiliar with the menu, the restaurant is built around the classic Hawaiian plate lunch. We are talking generous portions of rice, creamy macaroni salad, and a rotation of meats that range from savory teriyaki chicken to their signature, slow-cooked kalua pork. It is the kind of comfort food that has built them a massive following elsewhere. While the company confirmed the news via an Instagram post, they have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific grand opening date. We are still waiting on a timeline.
What stands out here is the persistence of the Mo’ Bettahs brand in reaching new markets. Bringing Hawaiian-style plate lunches to Arizona is clearly their current priority, and the Gilbert site—located at 5378 S. Power Road—is set to be the flagship of that effort. As they continue to grow, the culinary landscape in the East Valley will certainly look a little different. Fans of the brand are already buzzing online, though everyone will have to stay tuned to their official website at mobettahs.com for the final word on when those doors will actually open to the public.