US-based fast casual restaurant brand Hawaiian Bros has signed its fourth franchise agreement with Ohana Restaurant Group.

As per the terms of the agreement, Ohana Restaurant Group will develop Hawaiian Bros restaurants across various US states, including Wichita, Kansas; Joplin and Springfield, Missouri; and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale and Ft. Smith in Arkansas.

Owned and operated by Zach Fugate and cousins Nick and Nathan Blasi, Ohana Restaurant Group franchised the Springdale, Arkansas, location and has agreed to develop seven additional Hawaiian Bros restaurants across four markets.

Fugate leads the pizza hut division of Fugate Enterprises, which currently operates nearly 150 Pizza Hut and 75 Taco Bells across multiple states.

Ohana Restaurant Group president Zach Fugate said: "I was looking for a new concept that aligns with our principles and allows for growth. It starts with how Hawaiian Bros treats their people and that translates into a maniacal focus on operations.

"That simplicity leads to best-in-class drive-through times and high AUVs, and we know people are looking for great food fast. Hawaiian Bros delivers that, which made partnering with them an easy decision."

Currently, Hawaiian Bros operates 39 restaurants across seven states in the US.

Hawaiian Bros franchise development vice-president Grant Kreutzer said: "Zach Fugate and partners Nick and Nathan Blasi exemplify the calibre of franchisees selected to grow with our Hawaiian Bros' ohana.

"We're thrilled to see a growing interest among legacy multi-unit, multi-brand franchise operators seeking diversification into new, emerging concepts offering high sales potential and simplified operations.

"Our franchisees recognise the value of being part of a ground-breaking concept that dominates its own new category, with very little competition in many markets."