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Pokeworks Expands in Greater Boston

Pokeworks is making waves across Greater Boston, with exciting new openings and a strong commitment to community engagement. Known as the largest and fastest-growing fast-casual poke brand, Pokeworks is recognized for its fresh, customizable offerings that resonate well with health-conscious consumers. This expansion is spearheaded by franchise partners Rong Cong and Lelin Kandel, who are bolstering the brand's presence in the region.

Recent Openings and Future Plans

In February, a new Pokeworks location officially opened at 60 First St. in Cambridge, a strategic spot located at the entrance of the bustling CambridgeSide Galleria. This venue is set to thrive in a high-traffic area, attracting both local residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, the Somerville restaurant, located at 261 Elm St., has reopened its doors, much to the delight of the local fanbase. Looking ahead, more Pokeworks locations are in the works, including openings in Burlington scheduled for Q2 and Hanover Crossover expected this summer. With an eye on growth, Cong and Kandel are actively searching for new sites in vibrant neighborhoods such as Wellesley, Jamaica Plain, Fenway-Kenmore, Seaport, Brighton-Allston, and Woburn.

Vision for Healthy Living

Rong Cong shares his enthusiasm for Boston, stating, "Boston is a fantastic place with a unique liveliness and resilience, and that really shapes how people approach their daily lives, including how they eat." As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston's innovative focus on healthy living aligns perfectly with Pokeworks' mission. The brand's appeal lies in providing delicious, sustainably sourced food options that cater to diverse diets.

Lelin Kandel's journey with Pokeworks is particularly inspiring; he began his career as the company's first employee in 2015 and has now transitioned to a multi-unit franchisee. He emphasizes the importance of community-driven growth: "As local owners, we take pride in building something meaningful within the communities we're part of, shaping how we approach each new location."

Emphasis on Quality and Consistency

Pokeworks has already seen remarkable success in its Cambridge location, particularly with an increase in catering orders and a high rate of return customers. This positive performance underscores the brand's relevance among both individual patrons and corporate clients, reinforcing the strategy of focusing on expansion in promising neighborhoods before venturing into new markets. With the ongoing support from Pokeworks' corporate team, the franchisees are well-equipped to manage operations and development efficiently.

Peter Yang, the Co-Founder and Head of Development of Pokeworks, praises Cong and Kandel's commitment to the brand: "They exemplify the kind of long-term dedication we value in our franchise system. Both bring years of experience and a profound understanding of our operations, allowing for thoughtful growth aligned with community needs."

A Poke Revolution

Founded in 2015, Pokeworks arose from the founders' passion for Hawaiian poke. Having discovered authentic poke during their travels, they sought to fill the gap in the mainland market by offering fresh, customizable poke bowls, burritos, and salads. Pokeworks champions the Poke Your Way® concept, empowering customers to tailor their meals to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.

The brand has quickly gained recognition, earning accolades such as the "Top Poke Franchise" by Startups Magazine and securing a spot on Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" list for seven consecutive years. Currently, Pokeworks boasts over 80 locations spanning 22 states, along with sites in Taiwan and Canada.

As Pokeworks continues its impressive expansion and engages with local communities, it reinforces its mission of providing healthy, delicious food while prioritizing sustainability. To learn more about franchise opportunities or the menu offerings, interested parties can visit pokeworksfranchise.com.

Pokeworks is rapidly solidifying its reputation not only as a beloved dining destination but also as a valuable community partner in Greater Boston.