POCATELLO — Where local residents once rented “Blue Crush” and “Lilo & Stitch,” they can now savor kalua pork and teriyaki chicken after the former Blockbuster on Yellowstone Avenue was tropically transformed into a Mo’ Bettahs in October.
The Hawaiian plate lunch restaurant held a community “Friends & Ohana” night Oct. 9, offering free plates and swag to neighboring businesses, loyalty members and any community member who stopped by before officially opening for business the following day. The community response exceeded expectations, with lines wrapping around the building both nights.
“Sharing food is how we show love back home in Hawaii,” said co-founder Kimo Mack. “We’re excited to bring that Ho’okipa — warm hospitality — to Pocatello and welcome everyone into our ‘ohana.”
Much like the quote from “Lilo and Stitch” that “’Ohana means family (and) family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” Mo’ Bettahs isn’t forgetting the second-largest city in East Idaho. The Pocatello location marks the brand’s 68th store overall and seventh in Idaho, joining others already established in Twin Falls and Ammon.
“What was really fun is we had some people from the community at our ‘Friends & Ohana’ night tell us, ‘I was driving up to your Ammon or your Twin Falls locations because we liked it so much,’” said Senior Director of Marketing Kylee Arreaga. “Truly, to see a line that big, it’s just always stunning, and I think humbling for our side, too. The community response has just been amazing.”
Mack added, “Every Mo’ Bettahs is meant to feel like those family gatherings we grew up with on Oahu — where food, stories and connection flow together. With each new opening, we’re honored to expand our ohana and share that authentic island experience with more families and friends.”
The menu centers on traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, with the popular two-choice plate ($13.99) featuring two sides of rice, mac salad and a choice of two proteins including grilled teriyaki chicken or steak, kalua pig or deep-fried katsu chicken. For larger appetites or sharing, the Ekolu plate ($17.99) offers three meat choices. The restaurant also offers kids’ meals and family packages for groups of four or six.
“Come try plate lunch classics ... and let us serve you the way we would at home,” Mack said.
Arreaga said the former Blockbuster building offered unique opportunities for customization. The larger exterior space allowed the team to paint Hawaiian Islands on the outside and take advantage of the building’s curved wrap-around design, making the corner location both visible and welcoming.
Founded in Bountiful, Utah, in 2008 by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettahs has expanded across Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas and Nevada. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, catering and a free Makana Rewards loyalty program that includes a complimentary mini plate after the first purchase.
“We’ve truly been impressed by the support and love from Pocatello since opening and are looking forward to many years ahead at this location,” Arreaga said.
The new eatery will add about 30 to 35 jobs to the community, Arreaga added.
The Pocatello location, 705 Yellowstone Ave., is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Advance orders are available by calling 208-398-4334 or visiting mobettahs.com.
You can follow Mo’ Bettahs for updates and special promotions on Facebook, Instagram, and X.