Chicago — Aloha Poke Co., a fast-casual brand that 3 years ago pioneered Poke concept restaurants in the Midwest, plans to expand through franchising. Solidified already in five U.S. markets as the top spot for innovative poke bowls inspired by the popular Hawaiian diced, marinated seafood dish, Aloha Poke is targeting its next growth wave in a concentrated set of markets. The goal is to have 100 locations open and in development by 2022.
At the onset of franchising, the brand will focus growth in areas where existing locations have built a loyal fan base, as well as in adjacent regions. This includes cities and towns throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast.
“The moment is now for Aloha Poke — we’ve proven the business model over t3hree years of expansion,” says Chris Birkinshaw, CEO of Aloha Poke Co., and the architect of the brand’s franchising initiative. “As restaurant franchise investors evaluate Aloha Poke, I’m confident they’ll recognize our business’s remarkable opportunity for great returns, and we couldn’t be more ready to grow together.”
The brand has a flexible footprint requiring as little as 250 square feet to 1,200 square feet or more, offering franchisees better access to prime real estate. With no need for grills, fryers or ventilation, what sets Aloha Poke apart is the operational simplicity and ability to serve customers quickly in a simple, clean and trendy environment.
Based in Chicago, Aloha Poke Co. currently has 18 locations, primarily in the Midwest, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as Washington, D.C., and Florida. Aloha Poke plans to grow by targeting multi-unit deals in proximate growth markets including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina.
For more information, visit www.alohapokeco.com.
SOURCE: Aloha Poke Co.