Pokeworks, the leading and quickest-growing fast-casual poke brand in the world, has continued its remarkable growth and success in the first half of 2024.
One of few healthy, fast-casual options, the brand caters to a growing demographic of millennials, Gen Z's, and Gen Alpha. With four new locations opened this year and plans for another nine in 2024, Pokeworks' momentum continues to ramp up as it looks to introduce the concept to new markets across the United States and Canada as well as growing in their existing territories.
The Poke Foods Market is expected to increase by USD 781.91 million from 2021 to 2026, at an accelerated CAGR of 8.41 percent, and Pokeworks is set to be a part of this growth. In Q1 and Q2 of 2024, Pokeworks opened three new locations in Canada, bringing the brand to a total of four in the country, and has plans to open three more there this year. The brand also saw growth in the U.S., opening a new location in Midtown, Atlanta, and is set to open new restaurants in Fullerton, Houston, Astoria, Rochester, and Newark in the second half of 2024.
"Our growth in 2024 is a true testament to our incredible franchisees," said Peter Yang, co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Pokeworks.
"Pokeworks strives to operate as a franchisee-first company, and we prioritise the success of every single location. As we look to the future, we are primed to continue international expansion and maintain our status as the largest poke brand in the fast-casual industry. We look forward to partnering with new franchisees who will share our company culture of MAHALO, and bring poke to new audiences across the country."
As part of Pokeworks' commitment to innovation, the brand is expanding into new and non-traditional locations this year. In May, Pokeworks opened a new location at The Well Toronto, becoming the brand's first 300 sq foot location in a food court. While most restaurants require a larger storefront to accommodate operations, Pokeworks can fit into small, unique spaces. Not requiring an exhaust hood and range for cooking or even gas, the brand has a flexible restaurant design and is able to accommodate locations within airports, college campuses, malls, and food courts, allowing franchisees more options when seeking a lease. Seeing immediate initial success at The Well location, Pokeworks is now looking to expand into more non-traditional locations in 2024 and beyond.
"Bringing Pokeworks to a food hall has been an incredible and eye-opening experience," said George Heos, Pokeworks' Master Franchisee for Canada.
"Initially, we never thought we could fit the restaurant into a small space, but not being bound by the typical constraints of full cooking areas has allowed for tremendous flexibility and the ability to expose Pokeworks to a greater audience. The relationship offered by the Pokeworks support team is second to none and has allowed us to grow new, out-of-the-box ideas, knowing we have their trust and support behind us. We truly could not ask for a better partner to grow within this journey, and we look forward to seeing future success with Pokeworks as we continue to expand in Canada."
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