Pokeworks Expands Its Presence in New York with Four New Locations

Expanding Horizons of Pokeworks in New York

Pokeworks, a prominent name in the fast-casual poke restaurant sector, is excited to announce its upcoming growth in New York, which will see the addition of two new franchise partners responsible for establishing four new locations in Manhattan and Long Island. This strategic expansion not only reflects the brand's commitment to increasing its presence in health-conscious markets but also underscores the growing consumer demand for fresh, customizable dining options in urban settings.

The first partner, Joe Magnotta, is a well-known figure in Long Island’s restaurant scene. With over two decades of expertise in the food and beverage industry, Magnotta's journey began in 2001 when he first ventured into the restaurant business with Angelina's. Over the years, he successfully expanded his portfolio to ten different restaurant concepts across the region before selling them in 2023. Now, he embarks on a new journey as a franchise partner for Pokeworks, planning to open his initial location by mid-2026. Magnotta expressed confidence in the brand's potential, emphasizing that it aligns perfectly with his vision for quality dining experiences in his community. He stated, "Pokeworks checks every box for me - quality, efficiency, and long-term growth potential. I look forward to providing the residents of Long Island with fresh, fast, and high-quality food."

On the other side of the city, Sanchit Sharma will be spearheading the Pokeworks venture in Midtown Manhattan. With extensive experience in retail management, supply chain operations, and family-owned quick-service restaurant businesses, Sharma was drawn to Pokeworks due to its strong operational systems and commitment to healthy, craft meals. His focus on launching outlets in high-foot-traffic areas of Midtown aims to cater to the office-dense neighborhoods within Manhattan. Sharma anticipates unveiling his first Pokeworks location by late summer 2026, followed by two additional locations shortly thereafter. He noted, "Pokeworks aligns perfectly with my business philosophy and addresses the community's growing cravings for healthier, nutrient-dense food options. This motivates me to create a meaningful presence and deliver an exceptional dining experience."

As consumers increasingly seek out health-focused, customizable meal options, Pokeworks positions itself well to capitalize on this trend. With seven successful outlets already operating in New York City, the brand's established business model and innovative approach place Pokeworks at the forefront of the poke movement. This growth initiative is a testament to the company’s success and an indication of its ability to adapt to an evolving food landscape.

Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development at Pokeworks, expressed enthusiasm about working with partners like Magnotta and Sharma. He stated, "They embody the qualities we look for in franchise partners, bringing strong leadership and a dedication to long-term success. We are thrilled to continue expanding our footprint in New York together."

Founded in 2015, Pokeworks was born from the passion of a group of friends who wished to share their love for Hawaiian poke with a broader audience. After discovering authentic poke, they recognized a gap in the market and set out to offer fresh, customizable poke bowls, burritos, and salads inspired by Hawaiian flavors. This flexibility is showcased through their Poke Your Way® concept, which allows customers to tailor their orders to various dietary preferences, whether it is vegan, gluten-free, or on-the-go.

For those interested in franchise opportunities, further details can be found on the Pokeworks website at pokeworksfranchise.com.

About Pokeworks

Pokeworks commenced its journey in 2015 with the mission of promoting Japanese-Hawaiian poke around the globe. Through its pioneering Poke Your Way® model, the brand offers over 50,000 customization options catering to diverse dietary needs while staying true to its mission of supporting a healthy lifestyle. The Poke Burrito, along with its unique selection of sauces, has garnered a devoted customer base, leading to recognition as the "Top Poke Franchise" by Startups Magazine in 2022, alongside making it to Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" list for six consecutive years. With a total of 72 locations across the U.S., Taiwan, and Canada, Pokeworks continues to pioneer the fast-casual poke industry, prioritizing fresh ingredients and customer-driven dining experiences.