Franchising

Island Poké opening 2 London stores, more expansion ahead

Provided by Island Poké

September 1, 2021

Island Poké, a chain featuring house bowls and a variety of build-your-own menu items, is ramping up plans to bring its fresh Pacific flavors to more areas in London and the U.K., according to a company press release.

Island Poké plans to open two locations on Upper Street in Angel Islington in September followed by Richmond in October. Further plans include locations in Clapham and Notting Hill in early 2022.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the chain has opened four dark kitchens across London, and is preparing to open 23 Islands over the next five years.

"We're very pleased to be expanding our brand across London and beyond," James Gould-Porter, Island Poké founder, said in the release. "We are just beginning to ease out the pandemic, which has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality sector and these new restaurants show the growing demand for our brand offering."

The expansion should create about 350 jobs. The development plans will initially focus on London, however, discussions are also underway with partners to potentially open 50 more Islands throughout the U.K.

"We are looking forward to bringing people a great and fresh alternative to the traditional lunch and dine-out offering, whilst exploring new opportunities to expand our growing footprint," Gould-Porter said.