Betting on popularity of Hawaiian-style sashimi at Island Poké.
Hawaiian poke bowls are gaining popularity for its diced sushi-grade salmon dishes combined with pickled veg and rice dishes.
Propel reports that the London-based Island Poké has signed its first two UK franchise partners and further discussions taking place with potential for another 50 sites.
It is backed and invested by hospitality development platform White Rabbit Group and the brand development company Hero Brands.
The new partnerships will bring a development pipeline of 23 sites over the next five years, trebling its current ten-strong UK footprint, alongside the 42 already planned in France and Benelux over the same period.
Discussions are also under way with further partners that have the potential for a further 50 sites throughout the UK. Founded by James Porter in 2015, Island Poké initially operated as a street food stall.
Hero Brand’s chairman Athif Sarwar said that Hero Brands “is responding to emerging consumer trends and focused on growing the brands of the future”.
“Island Poké fits with our DNA and we are working with James and the team to bring our expertise and embark on our ambitions to create a truly global brand. The first two partnerships are the first steps in this journey and shows the huge potential of the concept and brand as we emerge from the pandemic,” he added.
