070: Building a Scalable Brand That Stays True to Its Roots with Mo'Betta's CEO Rob Ertmann

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo'Betta's Hawaiian-style restaurant chain. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Rob shares the brand's growth journey from 22 to 68 stores in four years, its partnership with Savory Fund, and its recent acquisition by Blue Marlin and Tribe.

The conversation focuses on operational excellence, cultural authenticity, and the importance of simplicity in menu design. Rob outlines how Mo'Betta's has preserved its Hawaiian roots while scaling rapidly, discusses the pivotal role of the general manager, and highlights how defining team values such as humility, kindness, and hunger has contributed to the company's strong internal culture.

• The growth and evolution of Mo'Betta's from 22 to 68 stores

• Maintaining cultural authenticity during rapid scale

• Why simplicity in menu design supports operations and margins

• Hiring for values over resumes and building internal leadership

• Learning from team feedback and staying humble in decision-making

Connect with Rob Ertmann:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ertmann-61b93927

http://www.mobettahs.com

https://mobettahs.com/about/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mo-bettahs

https://www.instagram.com/mobettahs/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/Mobettahs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mobettahs

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.