Ono Hawaiian BBQ Gift Card Redemption Settlement

Consumers who possessed an Ono Hawaiian BBQ gift card with a balance fewer than $10 and, after an employee at a California location told them it could not be redeemed for cash, disposed of the card may qualify to claim a $10 replacement gift card from a class action settlement.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ Inc. agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to comply with California law requiring cash redemption of low-balance gift cards.

Who can file a claim?

Class members must meet the following criteria:

• They possessed an Ono Hawaiian BBQ gift card with a balance fewer than $10.
• An Ono Hawaiian BBQ employee at a California location told them they could not redeem the card for cash.
• They disposed of the gift card Ono Hawaiian BBQ denied cash redemption.

There is a cap of 2,820 valid claims. Once claims reach this number, or when the claims period ends (whichever comes first), the settlement administrator will not accept further claims.

How much can class members get?

Each eligible class member can receive a replacement Ono Hawaiian BBQ gift card valued at $10. They can use the gift card at any Ono Hawaiian BBQ location in California. It does not require an additional purchase.

Ono Hawaiian also agreed that within 30 days after final approval, it will allow customers to redeem gift cards with balances of fewer than $10.  

How to claim a gift card

Class members must complete the electronic claim form. There is no option to submit a claim by mail.

The number of available gift cards is limited so it is important to file a claim as soon as possible.

After submitting a claim, class counsel may contact class members to confirm eligibility.

Payout options

Eligible class members will receive a $10 Ono Hawaiian BBQ gift card.

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund includes:

• Attorneys' fees and costs: $62,500 (this amount also covers certain administration costs)
• Service award to class representative: $1,500
• Replacement gift cards for class members: Up to $28,200 (2,820 gift cards x $10 each)

When is the Ono Hawaiian BBQ settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute gift cards after it completes claim validation and the claims period concludes.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged Ono Hawaiian BBQ Inc. failed to comply with California Civil Code § 1749.5. This law requires businesses to redeem gift cards for cash upon customer request when the remaining balance is less than $10. The lawsuit claimed Ono Hawaiian BBQ employees in California denied customers this right, leading to customers disposing of gift cards with balances less than $10.

To resolve these allegations, Ono Hawaiian BBQ agreed to a settlement that includes policy changes, employee training, compliance measures and compensation for affected customers.

Sources

1. Settlement website