The brand’s recent performance is highlighted by five new store openings and a series of multi-unit agreements. Expansion efforts are focusing on key urban hubs including New York City, Boston, and Nashville, where the company is actively scouting real estate. According to Peter Yang, co-founder and head of development, much of the momentum is driven by existing partners choosing to scale their operations, signaling high confidence in the chain's unit-level economics.
In section Releases
Pokeworks Scaling Footprint as Systemwide Sales Outpace Industry
With 85 locations spanning 22 states, fast-casual chain Pokeworks is reporting a 10 percent year-over-year unit growth for the first half of 2026. The Irvine-based company attributes this surge to a mix of aggressive franchise expansion and a strategic pivot toward high-protein menu items, such as its new Surf & Turf bowl.
Beyond physical growth, the company is doubling down on menu innovation to capture health-conscious consumers. The recently launched High-Protein Surf & Turf Bowl, featuring 44 grams of protein, aligns with the brand's broader push to maintain relevance in a competitive fast-casual sector. This strategy has earned the company a repeat spot on the Inc. 5000 list and a seventh consecutive appearance on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers rankings. With eight additional locations currently under construction, the company expects to sustain its current trajectory through the remainder of the year.
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