A Deeper Dive The story behind the fast-growing restaurant chain Mo'Bettahs
Jul 2, 2025
Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo'Bettahs, shares insights on the rapid rise of this Hawaiian-style restaurant chain. He explains the brand's impressive 30% system sales growth and discusses the challenges of maintaining quality while expanding. The conversation dives into the vital role of general managers in sustaining brand culture and the impact of social media on consumer dining trends. Ertmann also highlights the balance between cautious growth and adapting to market demands, making for an engaging discussion on innovation in the restaurant industry.
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Founders Sold House to Start
- Mo'Bettahs began in 2008 when Kimo Kalani Mac sold his house to open the first restaurant during the financial crisis.
- The brothers grew the business to six locations before partnering with Savory Fund to expand further.
Simplicity Enables Scaling
- Mo'Bettahs focuses on a simple menu and operations for easy scaling into new markets.
- Their approach allows sourcing of ingredients anywhere in the US, supporting nationwide expansion.
Fund Growth Sustainably
- Use your own cash flow to fund growth and supplement with financing when necessary.
- Prioritize finding locations with good margins and healthy returns to sustain expansion.