Pokeworks Reports Record 2025 Growth
The fast-casual poke chain Pokeworks announced a record-breaking year in 2025, which included an 18% growth in its franchise system. The company cited innovations in catering, technology, and menu development as key drivers of its performance. The results set the stage for continued expansion in 2026.
- Pokeworks' 2026 expansion strategy will focus on the Midwest, California, Florida, and New York, building upon multi-unit deals signed in 2025. The company is also targeting growth in Long Island and Manhattan, with new franchise locations expected to open by mid-to-late 2026. - To support its growth, the company recently partnered with Qu, a cloud-based unified commerce platform, to modernize its point-of-sale (POS) system across its 73 locations. This investment in technology is aimed at streamlining operations and providing real-time data to support its franchisees. - While poke bowls are its core offering, the company has expanded its menu to attract a wider customer base. In March 2025, Pokeworks launched "Hawaiian Hot Plates," featuring cooked items like Charred Teriyaki Salmon and Huli Huli Chicken. This was followed by a revamped beverage lineup in May 2025, created in partnership with automated drink technology company Botrista. - The company's leadership team includes CEO Steve Heeley, who was promoted from Chief Marketing Officer in 2021. In 2024, original co-founders Mike Chen, Peter Yang, Mike Wu, and Kasper Hsu returned to active, day-to-day roles within the company to guide its ongoing expansion. - This record 2025 growth follows a strong performance in 2024, when the company increased its footprint by 10% with eight new locations in the U.S. and three in Canada. At the beginning of 2024, the company projected opening 12 new locations and reaching a total of over 85 restaurants by the year's end. - Founded in New York City in 2015, Pokeworks has grown to over 70 locations across the U.S., Taiwan, Mexico, and Canada. The company announced a master franchise agreement in 2022 to open 50 units in Canada over the next 10 years. - The broader poke food market is projected to grow significantly, with one report forecasting an increase of $5.2 billion between 2024 and 2029. North America is the largest market, holding an approximately 60% share, driven by consumer demand for healthy and customizable meals. - The brand's digital strategy includes an enhanced loyalty program, Pokeworks Rewards, which was modernized in late 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, the loyalty program grew four times faster than in the previous year and contributed to double-digit loyalty sales growth.
