The world’s leading and fastest-growing fast-casual poke brand has announced the signing of a new multi-unit development deal in the Greater Boston area.
According to a press release from QSR, Pokeworks is partnering with their first employee, Lelin Kandel, alongside current franchisee Rong Cong, and entrepreneurs Nijjwol Lamsal and Roshan Gauchan. Together, they plan to open seven more locations in Boston over the next four years, aiming to meet the rising demand for healthy quick-service restaurants nationwide.
Kandel’s extensive career with Pokeworks, combined with Cong’s successful franchising of four locations and management of eight, as well as Lamsal’s and Gauchan’s strong backgrounds in tech, real estate, and entrepreneurship, will play a key role in driving Pokeworks’ growth in Greater Boston.
Pokeworks was founded in 2015 by a group of close friends united by their love for Hawaiian poke, a traditional island dish of freshly diced seafood marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. After enjoying authentic poke in Hawaii, the group recognized a gap in the market and sought to bring the dish to a wider audience.
Prioritizing fresh, sustainable seafood, Pokeworks offers customizable poke bowls, burritos, and salads. Their unique Poke Your Way™ approach allows guests to tailor their orders to fit their dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
The poke foods market is expected to grow by USD 781.91 million from 2021 to 2026, with a CAGR of 8.41%, according to the press release. With five locations already operating in the Greater Boston area, the brand is excited to continue expanding throughout Massachusetts.
“We’re ecstatic to be growing our presence in Boston,” said Peter Yang, co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Pokeworks. “The response that we’ve received from the communities we currently serve has been incredible.”
Stay tuned for updates on specific addresses and opening dates as Pokeworks continues its Boston expansion.
