Kua ‘Aina, the Hawaiian burger and sandwich concept, has appointed Michael Gottlieb, former chief executive of Rocket Restaurants and current non-executive director at 3Sixty Restaurants, as non-executive chairman as it eyes further expansion in the UK and Europe, M&C Report has learnt.
Kua ‘Aina, which is reported to be a favourite of Barack Obama, launched its first UK site in London’s Soho in April 2011. In January this year the restaurant underwent a major refurbishment, with an upgrade of the entire venue including kitchens, interiors, branding and menu.
Company co-founder Edward Bardos said Kua ‘Aina is “actively seeking additional larger central London sites for this year, with plans for further UK and European expansion in the future.”
He said Gottlieb’s experience is “enabling the team to seek more opportunities to grow the business”.
Kua ‘Aina’s other sites are in Honolulu and Haleiwa in Hawaii, plus Tokyo.
