Pokeworks didn’t just introduce Americans to poke—it created an entirely new category in the fast-casual space. With bold flavors, customizable menus, and an innovative guest experience, Pokeworks set the gold standard for premium fast-casual poke. But to scale their success into a lasting franchise model, they needed a partner who understood how to franchise fresh, fast, and efficiently. That’s where SL Franchise Group came in.
“SL is a valued partner and resource for Pokeworks. The team’s remarkable experience and knowledge in franchising has helped us to grow exponentially.”
—Peter Yang, Co-Founder, Pokeworks
From Trend to Category Leader
Pokeworks launched with a mission to bring the spirit of Hawaiian poke to the mainstream—offering fresh, made-your-way bowls, burritos, and salads that matched modern demand for fast, healthy, and flavorful food. That demand has only grown. With a $1B category forecasted to expand 13% per year, Pokeworks is well-positioned as the category-defining brand.
To lead the market, Pokeworks partnered with SL Franchise Group to build the systems, tools, and growth strategy that would transform their restaurant success into a nationwide franchise force.
Pillar I: Franchise System Development with Scale in Mind
SLFG helped structure Pokeworks’ franchise system to balance culinary innovation with operational simplicity—ensuring each new unit could replicate the brand’s performance.
Key deliverables included:
-
A market-ready Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with clear investment parameters (starting under $308K)
-
Custom franchise operations and brand standards manuals, capturing everything from guest flow to ingredient prep
-
Investment modeling and financial tools that highlight strong unit economics (average check size: $21+, average sales: $1.1MM*)
-
A franchisee onboarding program built to train operators on both hospitality and health-conscious execution
Pokeworks’ lean team model, consolidated supply chain, and small footprint made it ideal for fast replication—SLFG’s system development ensured the roadmap was clear and compliant.
Pillar II: Operational Systems for Fresh-Fast Excellence
Behind Pokeworks’ simple experience is a sophisticated operational backbone. SL’s hospitality consultants brought decades of QSR and restaurant expertise to build out:
-
Efficient kitchen workflows that deliver speed without sacrificing freshness
-
Food safety protocols and training systems, integrated across all franchise locations
-
Loyalty tech, eCommerce platforms, and guest services playbooks, ensuring Pokeworks remained ahead of digital-first customer expectations
-
Support for new product development cycles and LTOs, giving franchisees reasons to keep guests returning week after week
With an average customer visiting Pokeworks once per week, these systems weren’t just backend support—they were key to lifetime value.
Pillar III: Franchise Sales Strategy for Dominant Growth
SL Franchise Group helped Pokeworks translate demand into qualified, strategic franchise expansion:
-
Execution of a multi-unit and territory sales plan, focusing on prime protected development areas
-
A comprehensive franchise sales process, including prequalification, territory mapping, and investor presentations
-
A full suite of franchise marketing materials, articulating Pokeworks’ differentiators in a crowded QSR market
-
Franchisee discovery day and closing support, ensuring alignment before launch
Today, Pokeworks stands as the largest and fastest-growing poke brand in the U.S., and much of that growth was fueled by the systems, storytelling, and strategic planning built in partnership with SLFG.
Fresh, Fast, and Franchised for the Future
With customizable bowls, bold sauces, and a cult-like following across Millennials, Gen Y, and Gen Z, Pokeworks is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle brand. And through thoughtful franchise strategy, it’s now accessible to entrepreneurs across the country.
SL Franchise Group didn’t just help Pokeworks grow. They helped it lead.
The SLFG Advantage
With decades of combined experience across restaurant franchising, legal development, operations, and sales, SL Franchise Group brings a full-stack approach to launching and scaling franchise brands. Whether you’re bringing something new to market or ready to expand a proven model, their team meets you at every step.
Learn more at slfranchisegroup.com