Franchising

Island Fin Poke adding to DC presence

Provided

January 4, 2021

Island Fin Poke Co. is strengthening its presence in the Washington D.C. area with a unit opening this month in Falls Church at the Idylwood Shopping Center at 7501 Leesburg Pike, Suite 129 in Northern Virgina.

Owned and operated by Bonita Bell, the Hawaiian-style poke restaurant will host a grand opening on Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As an African American entrepreneur, Bell said she wanted to encourage others to volunteer to serve their communities. To promote the mindset that MLK Day is "a day on, not a day off," Island Fin Poke Falls Church will donate 20% of the proceeds from MLK Day sales to Food for Others Inc., which distributes free food to Northern Virginia residents in need and whose services are primarily provided by volunteers.

"We are delighted and grateful to open up this business at this time in our vibrant community," Bell said in the release. "The past year has hit many people hard. With so many jobs lost from restaurant closings, we are happy to provide job opportunities and to partner with Food for Others to support those who are struggling in our community. The continuing restrictions due to the pandemic will present challenges, but we are now more excited than ever to start the new year promoting positivity and healthy lifestyles."

Bell and her husband, Howard, have committed to opening two Island Fin Poke restaurants, eyeing Vienna for their second restaurant, which has a 2022 open date.

Island Fin Poke has 11 locations across the country.

"The DMV area is somewhere we are really excited to grow in," Mark Setterington, co-founder of the Island Fin Poke franchise, said in the release. "Setterington launched the brand's first restaurant in Orlando after working in the industry for 36 years and overseeing 10 restaurants throughout Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

"Bonita is the perfect addition to our ohana as she reflects our mission to bring guests high-quality poke in an immersive and welcoming environment."