Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
In his RFIS keynote Eddie Flores will share “unconventional” methods that led L&L Hawaiian Barbecuse to eight consecutive #1 Asian meals franchise rankings.
Picture: Willie Lawless/Networld Media Group
February 13, 2026 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com
Immediately we’re shining a highlight on Eddie Flores, co-founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and chairman of L&L Franchise, Inc.
Flores will give the opening keynote on the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, which takes place on March 16-18, 2026, in San Diego, California.
Throughout his keynote, “Franchising the American Dream: The L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Story,” he’ll share inspiring tales from his guide “Franchising the American Dream” about constructing the biggest Hawaii-based restaurant chain within the U.S.
We thought it will be enjoyable to get to know Flores a bit higher forward of his look at RFIS. Register right here.
Describe your present function
I am the chairman of L&L Franchise Inc. Nowadays I am not within the weeds working the enterprise daily. I spend extra time considering long run, engaged on public-facing efforts and serving to develop leaders throughout the group. I keep concerned by mentoring, supporting franchisees and sharing what I’ve discovered from rising L&L over time.
What impressed you to work in your trade?
It began as a household factor. I purchased a small restaurant for my mom so she might work for herself. Afterward, she realized the restaurant enterprise wasn’t what she needed, so I bought it to an in depth pal. That pal finally requested for assist increasing and one factor led to a different. What started as a easy determination was L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and alongside the best way I noticed how an easy restaurant mannequin might open doorways for lots of people.
What’s a standard false impression individuals have about what you do?
Folks often assume I got here up via the restaurant world. I did not. My background is in business actual property and enterprise brokerage. That is the place I discovered how offers work, how threat actually seems on paper and why fundamentals matter. My first restaurant job was a lot much less glamorous. I washed dishes on the College of Hawaiʻi cafeteria. Having seen each side, the numbers and the labor, formed how I take into consideration management.
What’s one profession achievement you are most happy with?
Serving to immigrants construct a life right here. Many L&L franchisees began with little or no cash and restricted English. Most franchise methods would not have given them an opportunity. We constructed one thing less complicated and extra versatile, and it labored. Watching households create stability and alternative via possession is what I am most happy with.
What recommendation would you give to somebody simply beginning out in your trade?
Study the fundamentals and do not rush previous them. Be able to work more durable than you count on to and take dangers after they make sense. There are no shortcuts. You retain going, even when it will get uncomfortable, and also you keep humble sufficient to continue to learn.
What do you do to have enjoyable outdoors of labor?
A number of my time goes again into the group. I am concerned in revitalizing Chinatown and serving to construct the biggest Filipino Group Heart within the nation. That work issues to me. Enterprise and group aren’t separate issues. In the event you’re doing it proper, they help one another.
The place did you develop up and the way did your upbringing influence the individual you’re right this moment?
I grew up poor and got here to the U.S. at a younger age. These early years stayed with me. They taught me to work arduous and never take alternative without any consideration. Coming right here with little or no pushed me to chase the American Dream, and later, to assist create that very same alternative for others.
