California-based Pokeworks is looking to add to its presence in North Texas, as the fast-casual chain continues its expansion in what it calls a major growth market.
Pokeworks’ main menu is variations on poke, the traditional Hawaiian seafood dish that has roots in Japanese cuisine. The chain was founded in Manhattan in 2015, just before the poke trend took root across the country. In 2018, co-founder Kevin Hsu told Entrepreneur magazine its first customers weren’t even sure how to pronounce “poke.” (For the record, it rhymes with “okay.”)
But after visiting Hawaii and experiencing authentic poke, Pokeworks’ founders saw a gap in poke eateries on the mainland, and realized they had an opportunity. The company emphasizes its customizable options, which include poke bowls, burritos and salads, and offerings for vegan and gluten-free diners.
North Texas growth
Pokeworks has four franchisees that operate its seven locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth market, with a total of 26 locations across Texas. A spokesperson tells Dallas Innovates that DFW is one of its top three priority growth markets nationally.
The company is looking for franchise partners to expand in the northern suburbs, Fort Worth proper and the Las Colinas-Irving corridor.
“North Texas has been an incredibly welcoming market for Pokeworks over the last eight years,” Peter Yang, Pokeworks co-founder and head of development, said via email. “We see tremendous opportunity to invest further and expand our presence across the DFW region.
“The community’s vibrant, active lifestyle perfectly aligns with our commitment to serving fresh, healthy and craveable food, and we look forward to bringing our brand to even more neighborhoods here.”
Pokeworks said in a news release that it is actively seeking additional real estate across Dallas as well as in Austin and Houston to support its future growth. It says it has a flexible footprint that allows it to expand into a wide variety of retail locations.
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