Pearlridge Center shoppers can expect to start hearing "Welcome to Moe's" later this month as one of the nation's fastest-growing restaurant chains opens its first location in Hawai'i.

Moe's Southwest Grill plans to open on Oct. 26 at the mall in some of the space formerly occupied by J.C. Penney Co.

The Atlanta-based restaurant is known for burritos that weigh just under one pound, and for food with irreverent names such as the Ugly Naked Guy Taco and Homewrecker Burrito.

The restaurant also greets every patron with "Welcome to Moe's!"

Moe's was established in December 2000, and has grown to about 800 franchise restaurants in 38 states.

The Hawai'i Moe's is being opened by franchisee Travis Wailehua, who owns two local Subway stores, and operating partner Joseph Patrick Rinn, a former Subway operator in Georgia.

Wailehua said his franchise deal is for one Moe's location, but he hopes to develop six more within five years in the state.