Pokeworks

Pokeworks
TypePrivate
IndustryFast casual restaurants
Founded2015 (2015) in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
FoundersMichael Wu, Peter Yang, Kevin Hsu, Kasper Hsu, Michael Chen, and others
HeadquartersIrvine, California, U.S.
Number of locations
80+ (2026)
ProductsPoke bowls, poke burritos, salads
Websitepokeworks.com

Pokeworks is an American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Hawaiian-inspired poke. First opening in December 2015 in New York City,[1] its corporate headquarters are in Irvine, California, and operates more than 80 locations in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan through a primarily franchised model.[2]

History

Pokeworks was created by eight people, including brothers Michael Wu and Peter Yang, their college friends Kevin Hsu and Kasper Hsu, and Michael Chen,[3] who sought to bring Hawaiian poke to the mainland United States as a customizable fast-casual concept.[4][5]

The company started franchising in 2016 and expanded into Boston, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Austin.[6] In 2018, Pokeworks received an investment from Toridoll Holdings, a Tokyo-based restaurant company, to fund expansion.[7]

In March 2021, the company hired several outside executives, including former Veggie Grill CEO Steve Heeley as chief marketing officer and later CEO.[7] Heeley was promoted to chief executive officer in August 2021, succeeding co-founder Michael Wu, who became head of culinary.[8]

Under Heeley, the chain began expanding internationally, opening locations in Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada.[9][10] In 2023, Heeley was replaced by Regina Cheung who was previously chief financial officer.[11]

By 2026, Pokeworks operated more than 80 restaurants across 22 U.S. states as well as locations in Canada and Taiwan, and announced plans for further expansion in Texas.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Farrow, Boyd (February 1, 2018). "How Pokeworks Is Taking Advantage of the Raw Fish Phenomenon". Entrepreneur. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Blackmon, Chyna (July 7, 2026). "Pokeworks planning major expansion across Texas, major cities". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  3. ↑ Santiago-Molina, Emily (February 24, 2025). "Pokeworks to Open More Stores in Orange County". Orange County Business Journal. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  4. ↑ Olen, Helaine (June 25, 2018). "How Pokéworks, Sweetfin and Countless New Poke Restaurants Are Battling for Your Fast-Food Business". Inc. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Pokeworks reopens Grand Central location". Fast Casual. October 8, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Pokéworks Embarks on Mainland Expansion with Strong Franchise Growth" (Press release). PR Newswire. March 21, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  7. 1 2 Thorn, Bret (March 23, 2021). "Former Veggie Grill CEO Steve Heeley joins Pokeworks as chief marketing officer as chain seeks to broaden its leadership". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  8. ↑ Lalley, Heather (August 12, 2021). "Pokeworks elevates Steve Heeley to CEO". Restaurant Business. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  9. ↑ Michaels, Laura (May 26, 2022). "With 50-unit deal, Pokéworks heads to Canada". Franchise Times. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  10. ↑ Fabricant, Florence (August 24, 2021). "Bar Benno Opens in the Former Leonelli Restaurant and Bar Space". The New York Times. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ Kelso, Alicia (August 30, 2023). "Regina Cheung named CEO of Pokeworks". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
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