News briefs for June 4: L&L Texas, free Toyota, provisional licenses, bad cheese bread and food philanthropy

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue opens 10th Texas location

The largest Hawai‘i-based restaurant chain continues is expansion outside the islands, officially opening another store in the U.S. Southwest. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue recently opened its 10th restaurant in Texas, reinforces the state as the brand’s fifth-largest U.S. market.

Franchisee Doug Townsend owns and operates the new store on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. It opened April 24 and celebrated its grand opening May 21 with a Hawaiian blessing, ribbon-cutting ceremony and live entertainment by Kainoa & Friends.

Townsend oversees eight L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations, making him the brand’s largest multi-unit franchisee. A Native Hawaiian, he spent decades in the restaurant industry before advancing to a director-level role with one of the nation’s largest restaurant chains. His decision to invest in L&L reflects his connection to Hawai‘i and confidence in the brand’s continued growth.

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Toyota Hawaiʻi launches ‘Cap & Corolla Giveaway’

Students, recent graduates and first-time car buyers have the chance to win a free 2026 Toyota Corolla LE through Toyota Hawai‘i’s Cap & Corolla Giveaway. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. June 30.

One winner will be randomly selected from entrants who meet all eligibility requirements. The campaign is open to recent graduates who have received their diploma or degree in the past 2 years and are a current resident of Hawaiʻi with a valid driver’s license. Full rules, entry details and restrictions are available online.

Toyota Hawaiʻi plans to support first-time buyers through its First-Time Buyer Program following the Cap & Corolla giveaway.

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Application period open for new mental health provisional licenses

People seeking provisional licensure as associate psychologists, marriage and family therapists or mental health counselors can begin submitting applications to be accepted by Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. The new provisional licenses take effect July 1.

Provisional licenses allow qualified associate-level practitioners to work under required clinical supervision and seek insurance reimbursement while working toward full licensure. The new license categories are intended to expand access to mental health services throughout the state while maintaining regulatory oversight and public protection.

Applicants must meet applicable educational and supervised experience requirements for their respective license category. Application materials and program-specific information are available on the respective board and program pages at the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website.

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Cheese bread recalled for possible salmonella

Hawai‘i Department of Health Food and Drug Branch alerts the public about a recall of Champion Foods Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread because of possible salmonella contamination. The recalled product uses milk powder as a seasoning blend ingredient, which was recently recalled by supplier California Dairies.

The recalled product was distributed in single and two packs to supermarkets and retailers nationwide, including Target and Walmart locations in Hawai‘i. Food and Drug Branch officials are following up with local stores to ensure the recalled product is no longer available for sale.

Consumers can contact Champion Foods directly via email at info@motorcitypizzacompany.com with any questions and for additional recall information.

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Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance surpasses $5.3M in community impact

Nonprofit Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance awarded $110,000 from the 15th annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival in 2025 to support culinary education, agriculture and community organizations throughout the state, bringing the alliance’s total community investment to more than $5.3 million since its founding in 2011.

Among organizations receiving funds from the 15th annual festival was University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges Culinary Programs Restricted Fund, which received $35,000 to benefit culinary programs at Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo and Kona, Kapi‘olani Community College and Leeward Community College on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i Community College and University of Hawai‘i-Maui College.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. Visit the festival website to get your tickets, find event details, explore the chef lineup and more.