Compatibility with second-generation restaurant spaces and reliance on off-premises and digital channels are fueling expansion at Pokeworks, a California-based poke chain that reached 85 locations over the summer.
Pokeworks entered the second half of 2026 riding strong sales momentum, according to an August 13 press release. The chain saw 10 percent year-over-year unit growth, with locations spanning 22 states by August.
“We’ve had a strong first half of 2026, and it’s a direct reflection of the confidence our franchise partners have in Pokeworks,” Peter Yang, Pokeworks’ co-founder and head of development, said in a press release. “With openings in new markets like the Central California Coast, we’re continuing to grow thoughtfully, and we’re especially proud that so much of our growth is coming from franchisees who are expanding their footprint with us.”
One factor fueling unit growth, according to an October 27 press release, is the brand’s fit for second-gen restaurant spaces, such as locations that previously housed coffee shops, boba concepts and juice bars.
Carol and Marcos Blanco, Pokeworks franchisees preparing to open their second location of the year near Austin, Texas, said pursuing second-gen restaurant spaces expedites the opening process. Their upcoming restaurant in Round Rock, expected to open by year-end, will be their seventh Pokeworks location.
“For us, it’s been worth it to wait to find the right location that fits our business goals,” Marcos Blanco said in a press release. “Pokeworks’ streamlined construction and operations give us incredible site flexibility, making the launch process faster and more efficient—especially when taking advantage of second-generation spaces.”
Pokeworks attributed its suitability for second-gen locations to simplified kitchen requirements, including no need for ventilation hoods.
Off-prem channels also account for a significant share of the brand’s orders, according to Yang. In an interview with Fast Casual Nation published May 19, he said digital orders account for roughly 35 percent to 40 percent of total orders, with about 80 percent of guests taking their orders to go.
Separately, Pokeworks reported in August that sales generated through Pokeworks Rewards, the brand’s loyalty program, had more than doubled over the previous two years.
In 2021, the brand introduced a new prototype aimed at capitalizing on the growth of to-go and third-party delivery channels. The “Cruise-Thru Lane” design featured a pickup window for mobile and delivery orders only, not traditional on-site drive-thru orders, and also serviced third-party delivery drivers who no longer needed to take up space inside the restaurant. The brand has since added pickup areas for off-prem orders and shrunk its dining rooms, a move Yang said continues a trend among fast-casual operations.
“They are about 1,000 square feet,” Yang said of the new units in the May 19 interview. “We’re reducing our dining room space, and we are looking a lot more at pickup, ease of parking, things like that.”
Going forward, Pokeworks plans to continue expanding, with key regions to broaden its reach including New York City, Long Island, California, Denver, Boston, Nashville and Texas.
