When Seven Brothers Burgers opened its doors in Peoria this summer, it brought more than just another place to grab a burger. It delivered a taste of Hawaii’s North Shore, the spot where the brand was born, and it’s now sharing a healthy dose of aloha spirit with the community.
The story of Seven Brothers stretches back to 2009, when Arthur and Peggy Hannemann, together with their seven sons, launched a humble burger shack on Oahu’s iconic North Shore. Their mission was clear from the start: serve fresh, never-frozen food, and welcome every guest as though they were being invited to the family dinner table. The combination of quality ingredients, creative recipes, and genuine hospitality struck a chord. What began as a local hangout quickly grew into a destination, attracting visitors from across the island. Today, that original dream has blossomed into a thriving family-run business with locations across Hawaii, Utah, and now Arizona.
“We are certainly rooted in the Hawaiian tradition,” says one of the Seven Brothers, Max Hannemann. “Our strategy is to bring only a little bit of Hawaii here to the continent, restaurant by restaurant.”
The new Peoria location, found at 8265 W. Happy Valley Rd., wasted no time making its mark. Its grand opening felt more like a festive luau than a typical restaurant debut. Guests were welcomed with island vibes, friendly faces, and an energy that carried the essence of Hawaii right into the heart of the desert. “Obviously there are a lot of people that heard about us, and now they are bringing their friends and family to check out what we have to offer,” says Hannemann. “It is really great to see the Peoria community embrace what we are doing.”
And embrace it they have. Much of the buzz comes down to the menu, which is both playful and bold. The Sterling’s Teriyaki Burger combines a juicy teriyaki-glazed patty with smoky bacon and grilled pineapple for a sweet-and-savory punch. The Max Burger takes a heartier route with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of the signature Max sauce. Even vegetarians have something to crave, the Keep the Country, Country burger layers avocado, pineapple, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese in a combination that’s fresh, filling, and full of island flair.
Sides are far from an afterthought. The fan-favorite Crazy Fries are a meal in themselves, piled high with pineapple, caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and house sauce. For something lighter, the Polynesian Salad features crunchy macadamia nuts and a tropical papaya seed dressing that instantly transports you to the islands. Sweet endings round out the experience: Mom’s Banana Bread, a family recipe baked with love, and creamy hand-spun shakes that are often deemed the highlight of the visit.
Yet the food tells only part of the story. Walk inside and you’re immediately transported to Hawaii’s laid-back coast. Surfboards line the walls, the sound of island music fills the air, and the team behind the counter greets you with genuine warmth. The goal isn’t just to serve a quick meal—it’s to create a space where people can slow down, savor, and feel at home. “We are not Hawaiian food, but our flavors are Hawaiian influenced. I think that the community is embracing what we have to offer, and we are excited to be here,” says Hannemann.
In a city full of dining options, Seven Brothers stands apart by offering something deeper than a menu. It serves connection, hospitality, and a sense of family. Every burger and every fry comes from a place of care and community spirit. For Peoria residents, that means a new local favorite has arrived. For the Hannemann family, it’s another step in their mission to spread aloha, one burger at a time.
“It is really great to see the Peoria community embrace what we are doing.”