Hawaiian Bros Opens First Glenwood, Illinois Location With Grand Opening Giveaways

GLENWOOD, Ill. — Hawaiian Bros is officially expanding its Chicagoland footprint with its first Glenwood, Illinois location, opening Feb. 16 at 18851 S Halsted St (60425).

The island-inspired fast-casual brand is marking the launch with a grand opening celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Feb. 16. Hawaiian Bros says the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a gift card ranging from $25 to $500 (with purchase)—and one winner will be selected for Hawaiian Bros for a year.

Ahead of opening day, the company is also hosting VIP events on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaiian Bros says first responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students, and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.

Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired plate lunch—typically chicken or pork with sweet, savory, or spicy sauces, served with macaroni salad and steamed white rice or vegetables. For dessert, the brand highlights its Dole Soft Serve®. The company also emphasizes that it doesn’t rely on freezers or microwaves, focusing instead on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Hawaiian Bros currently operates 70+ restaurants across 14 states and has expanded franchise opportunities since 2023.

What to watch for

• How early the line forms: The first 100 customers get the biggest perks, so timing could be everything.
• Community turnout at VIP events (Feb. 14): Free plate lunches for local groups could drive strong early word-of-mouth.
• Southland fast-casual competition: This opening adds another high-energy, limited-menu concept to the local mix—worth tracking for repeat traffic and reviews.

Learn more:https://hawaiianbros.com/

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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Last Updated on February 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff

A Medley of Garden Veggies

Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies

• 2  zucchinis
• 2 yellow squashes
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 carrots
• avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven or grill to 425 F.
2. Cut zucchinis, squashes, tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Place on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle with thyme and garlic then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake or grill 30 minutes until fork tender.

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is leaning into what it does best this season: familiar, homestyle comfort—plus a few timely updates designed for spring get-togethers.

In a Feb. 10 announcement from Lebanon, Tennessee, the brand said its limited-time spring menu is now available nationwide, built around returning classics like the Ham Dinner and Fried Catfish, alongside seasonal additions including a refreshed Smoky Southern Salmon and new breakfast scrambles.

A spring menu built around “feels like home” comfort

Cracker Barrel framed the rollout around the idea that guests are looking for places that still feel warm, dependable, and familiar. The company said the spring lineup balances “craveable favorites” with “thoughtful seasonal additions,” keeping the experience rooted in the country hospitality the brand is known for.

“Spring has always been a season of coming together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of who we are,” said Thomas Yun, vice president of menu strategy and innovation at Cracker Barrel. “Our spring menu brings back the flavors guests know and love, while offering new ways to enjoy the comfort and care that make Cracker Barrel feel like home.”

Ham Dinner returns as the seasonal centerpiece

Back by popular demand, the Ham Dinner returns as the headliner of the spring menu. Cracker Barrel said the meal features sugar-cured or country ham, paired with guests’ choice of classic sides—such as Dumplins, Fried Cinnamon Apples, Hashbrown Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes—plus warm buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.

The company positioned the dish as a familiar option for spring gatherings, calling it a comfort meal that generations have grown up with.

Seafood options highlight seasonal cravings

Cracker Barrel is also leaning into a time of year when seafood tends to be top of mind, spotlighting a returning favorite and a seasonal refresh.

• Fried Catfish: Two cornmeal-fried, U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets served with tartar sauce and hushpuppies, plus a choice of two or three classic sides.
• Smoky Southern Salmon: Returning with an updated seasonal recipe featuring a smokier, more savory flavor profile. Guests can order it as an entrée, pair it with shrimp, or choose it as a salad topper.

Breakfast all day, with new scrambles and a sweet favorite

For guests who come to Cracker Barrel for breakfast at any hour, the spring menu introduces two new savory scrambles and brings back a seasonal sweet option.

• Farmhouse Scramble: Bacon, sugar ham, peppers, onions, and Colby cheese over scrambled eggs, finished with diced tomatoes and green onions and drizzled with sweet-and-spicy maple syrup.
• Garden Scramble: Roasted cremini mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and pepper jack cheese over three scrambled eggs, topped with diced tomatoes and green onions.
• Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes: Returning as a dessert-like breakfast option for a sweet start—or finish—to a meal.

Shareables and desserts bring back nostalgia

The spring lineup also includes a new shareable starter and the return of a classic dessert.

• Hushpuppy Dippers: A new, shareable take on the hushpuppies traditionally served with Fried Catfish.
• Carrot Cake: Returning with moist layers baked with coconut, pineapple, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with cream cheese icing and chopped pecans.

Cracker Barrel said these additions are meant to encourage guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the “simple pleasures” associated with the brand.

“Meals for Two” value deal continues through spring

Cracker Barrel also confirmed its value-focused “Meals for Two” deal will extend through spring. Available all day Monday through Friday, the offer includes two entrées plus a choice of a shareable starter or dessert, starting at $19.99.

According to the company, the dine-in-only promotion runs through May 3, 2026, excludes taxes and beverages, and is not valid for carryout, delivery, online purchases, or with other discounts.

Availability and where to learn more

The limited-time spring menu is available now at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide. For more information or to find a location, visit CrackerBarrel.com.

About Cracker Barrel

Founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. serves homestyle food and offers retail merchandise across approximately 660 company-owned locations in 43 states. The company also owns the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company.

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For media inquiries, Cracker Barrel provided: Media.relations@crackerbarrel.com.