Local restaurant operator Randy Schoch is expanding the Romano's Macaroni Grill franchise in Hawai'i with a second location, set to open in November in Queens' MarketPlace at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The move comes three years after Schoch opened Hawai'i's first Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana Center, and at a time when economic weakness has battered some restaurant chains nationally.

At Queens' MarketPlace, the opportunity for a second food anchor sprang up after another large restaurant chain with a location at Ala Moana, Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, pulled out of the new Big Island retail project.

Schoch, who also is the local franchisee for five Ruth's Chris Steak House restaurants in Hawai'i, said he's confident that there's good growth opportunity in the local restaurant industry.

"We're real bullish," he said. "I think we're going to be doing better and better."

Schoch said sales at some restaurant chains on the Mainland are down 10 percent to 20 percent — in contrast to his six Hawai'i restaurants that averaged a 9 percent sales increase over the last 12 months.

The Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana last year had sales of about $6 million, or $1,000 per square foot, which was tops among the roughly 240 Macaroni Grill restaurants.

Schoch said he expects the new restaurant at Queens' MarketPlace, which will be similar in size to the Ala Moana location with 280 seats, will produce similar revenue. About 150 employees will be hired.

Queens' MarketPlace is a $95 million addition to the Kings' Shops retail complex at the resort. The 135,000-square-foot site's initial tenants opened in October. The first restaurant anchor, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, opened earlier this year.