Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!
In this inspiring and insight-packed episode, Brooke sits down with Utah-based entrepreneur and restaurateur Shem Hannemann to talk about the highs, lows, and hard truths of building restaurant brands that people love. Shem opens up about his early creative ventures, what it really takes to start a restaurant from scratch, and how his passion for design, people, and food have fueled a career rooted in both hospitality and hustle. From the initial concept of Sunday’s Best to facing hard moments of burnout, Shem delivers a transparent and motivating look at what it takes to succeed in the food world—and how staying curious and community-focused keeps him moving forward.
Whether you're a restaurant lover, aspiring business owner, or creative looking for inspiration, this episode delivers clarity, honesty, and encouragement in spades.
Key Takeaways
[03:28] Family Roots and Resilience: Shem’s grandparents immigrated from Samoa to Hawaii, seeking better opportunities. Their hard work and sacrifice laid the foundation for the family’s success.
[08:17] The Power of Family and Culture: Surfing and the ocean played a central role in keeping the brothers connected and grounded, influencing the restaurant’s beach-themed branding.
[16:17] From Humble Beginnings to Expansion: The first Seven Brothers location, Kahuku Grill, opened in 2009 with minimal experience and a $2.75 burger that initially lost money. Through word of mouth and community support, the business grew.
[19:56] Menu Evolution: The iconic "Shemburger" was born out of experimentation, and the menu expanded from seafood to gourmet burgers, now a cornerstone of the brand.
[29:10] Expansion and Franchising: Seven Brothers now has multiple locations (4 in Hawaii, 7 in Utah, and 1 in Arizona), with 4 more opening soon. Franchising has allowed local families to bring the brand to their communities.
[41:05] Lessons in Resilience: Shem credits his parents’ optimism and hard work as the driving force behind the business’s success, emphasizing the mantra "this too shall pass."
Notable Quotes
(3:28) "Our grandparents immigrated from Samoa to Hawaii. They wanted a better life for their kids... my dad comes from a family of 14."
(15:40) “Don’t do it—it’s the highest fail rate... we don’t have experience.”
(42:20) “This too shall pass… good times or bad—just weather it. Something good will come.” – Shem Hannemann
(46:39) “It’s a mess, but it’s my favorite burger right now.”
Resources
Visit the official Seven Brothers website.
Follow Seven Brothers on Instagram
Follow Female Foodie on Instagram
Share this post