Franchising

Island Poke lands 2 franchisees

May 4, 2021

UK-based Island Poke, which has seven corporate-owned locations, has signed its first two franchise partners, which will bring a development pipeline of 23 units over the next five years, alongside the 42 already planned in France and Benelux over the same period, according to a company press release.

The agreements come on the heels of a recent investment from Hero Brands, a Scottland-based strategic brand development company.

"We are just beginning to ease-out (from the) pandemic which has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality sector and these latest partnerships show amazing confidence in our brand," Founder James Gould-Porter said in a company press release. "Hero Brands has given us key investment and expertise in growing our franchise model and it is also extremely pleasing to secure our first two partners so quickly after they have come on board with us."

The development plans will initially focus on London with the first location opening May 17 in Camden Market, but discussions are also underway with further partners, which have the potential for 50 units throughout the UK.

"Hero Brands is responding to emerging consumer trends and focused on growing the brands of the future," Hero Brand's Chairman Athif Sarwar said in the release. "Island Poke fits with our DNA and we are working with James and the team to bring our expertise and embark on our ambitions to create a truly global brand.

"The first two partnerships are the first steps in this journey and shows the huge potential of the concept and brand as we emerge from the pandemic."