News

Aloha Poke launches franchise expansion initiative

July 30, 2019

Aloha Poke Co., which opened three years ago in Chicago and now has 18 units, is targeting its next growth wave in cities throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, where existing locations have built a loyal fan base.

"The moment is now for Aloha Poke — we've proven the business model over three years of expansion," Chris Birkinshaw, CEO of Aloha Poke, said in a company release. "As restaurant franchise investors evaluate Aloha Poke, I'm confident they'll recognize our business's remarkable opportunity for great returns, and we couldn't be more ready to grow together."

Birkinshaw said he's refined the Aloha Poke franchise opportunity to combine attractive initial capital requirements with compelling unit economics, resulting in an appealing sales-to-investment model. Additionally, the brand has a flexible footprint requiring as little as 250 square feet to 1,200 square feet or more, offering franchisees better access to prime real estate. 

With no need for grills, fryers or ventilation, what sets Aloha Poke apart is the ability to serve customers quickly in a simple, clean and trendy environment, Birkinshaw said.

Aloha Poke plans to grow by targeting multi-unit deals in proximate growth markets including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina with the goal of having 100 locations open and in development by 2022.

"Our team is committed to growing the brand alongside like-minded franchisees that share the same passion and energy for life, as well as have a sincere appreciation of the importance of eating healthier," Paul Tripodes, vice president of franchise development, said in the release. "Today's consumers are choosing better-for-you options that are made with fresh ingredients, which Aloha Poke offers through our menu that caters to a wide array of diets and lifestyles, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and paleo options."

Interested franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and meet the minimum liquid assets requirement of $250,000. The total investment per restaurant ranges between $153,500 and $386,500 for a single unit, according to the release.