Hawaiian Bros Island Grill: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill traces its start to 2018, when brothers Cameron and Tyler McNie opened the first Hawaiian Bros restaurant in Kansas City, according to QSR Magazine. The menu is an homage to the Hawaiian plate lunch, built around chicken, pork, or veggie plates served with white rice and macaroni salad, with sides such as SPAM Musubi and Dole Soft Serve for dessert.

The company says it never uses freezers, fryers, or microwaves, and its franchising page describes a 30-second drive-thru service target. Hawaiian Bros' locations page lists restaurants in states including Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Oregon, and the company says it has more than 350 restaurants open or in development.

Hawaiian Bros offers franchise ownership, and its job portal lists openings by restaurant, so the business that employs a given team may vary by location. Candidates typically apply to a specific restaurant, where the team is led by a local manager.

Company culture and employee programs:

Hawaiian Bros says it was founded on the principles of honor, inclusion, and gratitude, and it asks teammates to live the Aloha Spirit. Its careers page describes pay and benefits it says go above and beyond most others in the industry, a clear career path, a practice of hiring and promoting from within, and rewards for referring new teammates. Benefits and eligibility may vary by restaurant and role, so candidates should confirm specifics during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the restaurant industry, including Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, are legally permitted to run background checks, provided they follow the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. The FCRA, a federal law, sets rules for consent, disclosure, and adverse action when a third-party report is used in hiring.

Hawaiian Bros is generally reported to screen candidates before they start, though the company has not published its screening policy in detail. Background checks are common in the restaurant industry, particularly for management roles and roles that handle cash. The scope of a Hawaiian Bros background check may vary by role, restaurant, and state.

The Hawaiian Bros hiring process typically starts with an online application through the company's job portal, where candidates choose a restaurant location. A restaurant manager may then interview candidates, and those who receive a conditional offer are usually asked to consent to a background check before starting. Steps may vary by restaurant, role, and whether a franchise operator runs the location.

A Hawaiian Bros background check often takes a few business days, though timing depends on the searches ordered and the records involved. Searches that span several counties or states can take longer. Candidates who want a closer look at typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

A Hawaiian Bros background check may include criminal history, identity, registry, and employment checks, depending on the role. For a restaurant position, the report may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review the disclosure and consent forms provided during hiring to see which searches apply to their role.

Whether Hawaiian Bros drug tests depends on the role and restaurant, and the company does not appear to publish a drug-testing policy on its careers page. Restaurant employers may require a drug screen for certain positions, such as management roles, typically after a conditional offer. Candidates should ask the hiring manager what applies to their position.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Hawaiian Bros has not published a blanket policy on felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case. Factors that may matter include the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role, such as handling cash or preparing food for guests. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history. Candidates are encouraged to answer questions honestly.

Candidates applying to Hawaiian Bros will typically be asked for written consent before a background check begins. They should be ready to provide their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history, along with identification for work eligibility. Accurate information helps searches run in the correct jurisdictions and can prevent delays. Food service roles may also involve local health or food handler paperwork. Requirements may vary by role and state.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Restaurant management roles at Hawaiian Bros typically involve standard criminal and identity checks. They may add employment verification or a credit review for positions with cash and inventory responsibility, where state law allows. Managers who oversee teams may also see closer attention to work history. Exact searches may vary by restaurant, franchise operator, and state.

A franchised Hawaiian Bros restaurant may make its own hiring and screening decisions, since franchise operators typically employ the restaurant team. The company offers franchise ownership, so the process can differ from one location to the next. Candidates should ask the restaurant's hiring manager which company runs the background check.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Hawaiian Bros Island Grill may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.