Franchising

Pokéworks opening 8 locations in Greater Boston

Provided

September 29, 2021

Pokéworks continues to expand with plans to open multiple units in the Greater Boston region, according to a company press release.

The brand's multi-unit franchise operator, Jason Sugarman and his business partners, signed a franchise agreement to open eight Pokéworks locations in Boston.

Sugarman was introduced to Pokéworks when his father, a restaurant developer since 1986, was looking to diversify with a strong concept.

"I fell in love with the brand immediately. The healthy-meets-tasty menu options and sleek design stuck out as differentiators," Sugarman said in the release. "Since joining in 2018, We knew we wanted to continue growing with Pokéworks. Now with five locations under our belt and most locations doing around $1.7 million in sales, we still have a tremendous opportunity to grow throughout the Boston DMA including in college towns and high-traffic tourist areas. This is especially true given the simple business model and flexible footprint."

Sugerman's ownership group has experience with more than 25 restaurants across multiple brands such as Johnny Rockets, Sugar Factory, Asia Grille and more.

Becoming Pokéworks franchisees in 2018, the Sugarman group has developed five locations with in Somerville, Burlington, Longwood, and in the heart of the Harvard University community.

The Boston deal comes just weeks after Pokéworks opened its first cruise-thru location in Knoxville, Tennessee; its 16th Texas location, and an international site in León, Mexico. In tandem with the multiple openings, Pokéworks also recently appointed its former CMO Steve Heeley to CEO. The brand anticipates another 10 more locations to open by the end of year.

"We are excited to grow with the Sugarmans and their business partners. They've been a great asset to Pokéworks' growth and development. With their experience in the restaurant industry, we know that they are the perfect candidate to take our brand to the next level in Boston," Larry Sidoti, Pokéworks CDO, said in the release. "Given consumers' preferences for customizable menu options and Pokéworks simple business operations, there has never been a better time to grow. We've seen firsthand how this group has thrived with Pokéworks, and we're thrilled to support their continued growth now and in the years in come."

Founded in 2015, Pokéworks made the Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list for the third consecutive year in 2021.