Fast-casual poke chain Pokeworks opened five new locations in the first half of 2026, signed fresh multi-unit franchise agreements, and now counts 85 systemwide units across 22 states — a 10% increase year-over-year. Eight more locations are currently under construction and expected to open before year-end, keeping the brand on pace for continued double-digit unit growth.
The Irvine, California-based chain says it is outpacing industry averages on both year-over-year sales and transaction volume — a claim that points to unit-level economics strong enough to keep existing franchisees coming back for more. Much of the current pipeline is being driven by returning partners rather than first-time franchisees, a signal that satisfaction at the unit level is translating into incremental deal signings.
Franchise Pipeline
Pokeworks is targeting expansion in several high-density markets: New York City, Long Island, California, Denver, Boston, Nashville, and Texas. The brand recently entered the Central California Coast, illustrating how it is filling in regional gaps rather than simply adding to coastal strongholds. Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development at Pokeworks, said the first-half results are "a direct reflection of the confidence our franchise partners have," noting that growth from within the existing franchisee base is a particular point of pride. For prospective multi-unit operators evaluating fast-casual franchise investment, Pokeworks' reported loyalty rewards performance adds another data point: sales through its Pokeworks Rewards program have more than doubled over the past two years.
High-Protein LTO
On the menu side, Pokeworks launched its High-Protein Surf & Turf Bowl as a limited-time offering. The bowl combines premium ahi tuna and chicken breast with avocado, surimi salad, double edamame, fresh greens, and chilled ramen noodles, delivering 44 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. The build is a deliberate play on the well-documented consumer shift toward protein-forward dining — a trend reshaping fast-casual menu strategy across the segment. For operators watching category moves, the bowl's macro profile positions it squarely against better-for-you competitors increasingly competing on nutritional transparency.
Recognition & Loyalty
The brand earned a spot on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for the seventh consecutive year and was named to the Inc. 5000 list, reinforcing its standing as the dominant fast-casual poke concept in the U.S. Founded in 2015, Pokeworks has built its identity around its "Poke Your Way" customization platform, which the company says offers more than 50,000 possible order combinations — a flexibility that supports dietary inclusivity across vegan, gluten-free, and other eating preferences. With eight locations under construction and active real estate prospecting in multiple major metros, the brand's second-half trajectory looks to sustain the momentum established in the first six months of the year.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
