Delicious customizable poke bowls and burritos at Pokeworks.
Pokeworks, the renowned Hawaiian poke bowl chain, has experienced explosive growth since its inception in 2015, now boasting 72 locations across multiple states and countries. Known for its customizable poke bowls and innovative poke burrito, the franchise is on a mission to further expand with new franchise opportunities and menu innovations. With a commitment to operational excellence, Pokeworks is poised for a bright future as they aim for significant year-over-year growth and new openings in non-traditional markets.
In an exciting twist for food lovers and health-conscious eaters alike, Pokeworks, the popular Hawaiian poke bowl chain, is expanding its reach across the nation! What started as a humble beginning in midtown Manhattan back in 2015 with just three locations has turned into a thriving business with 72 locations operating across 20 states, Taiwan, and Canada. Talk about a culinary journey!
The tale of Pokeworks began with a vision from four co-founders: Peter Yang, Mike Wu, Michael Chen, and Kasper Hsu. Inspired by the trendy poke culture in Hawaii and the dish’s convenience, they launched their first restaurant in a cozy 700 square-foot space. Their signature customizable poke bowls quickly caught the attention of the food-loving public.
However, the real magic happened when they introduced the poke burrito. This innovative spin on the classic caught fire, drawing crowds and resulting in lines that stretched for two to three hours. The buzz became too big to ignore, and before they knew it, Pokeworks was on the map!
Fast forward to today, the growth has been nothing short of remarkable! The chain’s headquarters in Irvine has become a bustling hub for expansion, with plans to continue scaling new heights. The current average store volume is an impressive $1.1 million, and Pokeworks recently landed at No. 24 on the Business Journal’s coveted list of locally-based restaurant chains, reporting systemwide sales of $59 million for 2023.
As the demand keeps climbing, Pokeworks is actively searching for new franchisees, with agreements already inked for three newly established spots in Orange County that will be entirely franchise-owned. This approach aligns with the shift in strategy from the founders, who initially hesitated to franchise but later recognized the potential for rapid growth in this segment.
The founders had their sights set on operational excellence right from the start, a strategy that allowed them to outlast many other poke shops that sprang up during the initial boom. Despite facing a few growing pains and leadership changes along the way, the current team remains committed to Pokeworks’ vision. With Michael Chen as president, Mike Wu as culinary head, and Peter Yang as chief development officer, they’re ready to navigate the challenging waters of the food industry.
Pokeworks aims to achieve a 10% year-over-year unit growth and is even exploring introducing smaller restaurant formats at non-traditional locations like airports and universities! This ensures they cater to a wider range of customers, especially those who appreciate customizable meals that fit their healthy lifestyle.
Training centers and testing grounds for new menu items, the corporate stores will play a pivotal role in this journey. Pokeworks recently opened eight exciting new restaurants in 2024, with plans for another six anticipated early in 2025. It’s safe to say that seafood lovers have a lot to look forward to!
It’s clear that Pokeworks is not just about poking fun at the food scene. Their focus on health, customization, and embracing sophisticated palates has helped them carve a niche in the fast-casual seafood market. They’ve come a long way since the trip to Hawaii sparked the original idea, and they’re just getting started!
So, if you haven’t yet tasted one of their famous poke bowls or the famous poke burrito, maybe it’s time to join the ever-growing crowd. Those 72 locations aren’t just numbers; they represent a successful journey that’s as fresh as the seafood that fills those vibrant bowls!
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