Franchising

Island Fin Poke signs 20-unit deal

Provided

December 8, 2020

Thanks to a partnership with Matthew McNulty, a managing partner of Pelagic Hospitality Group, Island Fin Poke is building 20 restaurants in West Florida over the next few years.

The Orlando-based franchise, which has one location open in Wesley Chapel, will welcome a Sarasota location in January as well as additional units during the first half of 2021 in Carrollwood, Trinity and St. Petersburg, according to a press release.

McNulty, who has acquired three Island Fin units and will serve as the brand's area representative, is responsible for developing Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties. Other local franchisees, however, will own those locations.

"As a St. Petersburg native, I am so excited to help Island Fin Poke grow in the area," McNulty said in the release. " I think that poke is such an underserved segment in the quick-service restaurant market; it's a unique menu with plenty of healthy and fresh options," said McNulty. "The people here will definitely enjoy what Island Fin Poke has to offer."

Of the 20 locations coming to the area, the brand has commitments from local franchisees for nine. They are considering areas like St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Tampa, among others within McNulty's eight-county territory.

Founded in 2017, and franchising since 2018, Island Fin Poke has 10 locations in Florida, Nevada, Maryland, Delaware and Massachusetts.