Multi-Unit Growth Made Simple: How Pokeworks Supports Franchisees Like Alvin Zhang

Pokeworks, the fastest-growing fast-casual poke brand globally, continues to attract savvy entrepreneurs seeking multi-unit growth, thanks to its fresh-forward menu, simplified operations, and collaborative leadership team. One standout franchisee who exemplifies this momentum is Alvin Zhang, who owns and operates three Pokeworks locations across New York City.

Zhang, who works full-time in the accounting space and runs a consulting firm, opened his first Pokeworks in 2019 in Woodbury, Long Island, becoming one of the brand's earliest adopters on the East Coast. After initially signing a two-unit deal, Zhang has since grown to three locations, including two in Queens, in Astoria and Fresh Meadows, in addition to the original Long Island location. Inspired by Pokeworks' impressive success in New York City and his longtime friendship with Pokeworks co-founder Peter Yang, Zhang saw an opportunity to bring the health-conscious and highly customizable poke concept to communities in New York.

"When I started entertaining the idea of opening a restaurant, I knew I wanted it to be a quick-service model," said Zhang. "Pokeworks was still very new and growing in popularity on the East Coast, and it offered an incredible opportunity to get in at the ground level with a brand that offers a much healthier alternative compared to most QSR concepts."

Zhang believes Pokeworks is uniquely positioned for multi-unit success due to several factors:

• Operational simplicity
• Strong consumer demand for fresh and healthy options
• An ecosystem that values franchisee expertise

"It's the sweet spot for multi-unit franchisees," continued Zhang. "Pokeworks offers strong brand support while giving local operators the freedom to offer input to help find ways to tailor each location to their community. They understand the importance of fit and how crucial it is to find the right partner for the right area, so they're willing to work with you to find what will suit your location."

Zhang has seen his efforts in creating a sense of community across his Pokeworks locations truly pay off, having cultivated a tight-knit culture. "We run like a family," he shared. "Aloha and Ohana aren't just words on the wall, they're how we operate. Some of our employees and guests have been with us since day one, and to see that kind of loyalty is a testament to the Pokeworks brand overall." Franchisees like Zhang are the ones that thrive in the brand's system, dedicated to not only finding success, but willing to put in the effort to make every Pokeworks location a welcoming space for communities.

"Alvin is a perfect example of the kind of franchise partner we're proud to grow with at Pokeworks," said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Pokeworks. "He brings a strategic mindset, a deep understanding of his local market, and a real sense of community into each of his locations. That's exactly the kind of leadership that makes a multi-unit franchisee successful in our system. Pokeworks is designed for growth-minded entrepreneurs through scalable operations and strong brand support. For the right partners, this is a brand that can grow with you and Alvin's story is proof of that."

Founded in 2015, Pokeworks was born from a group of friends and their love for Hawaiian poke. After experiencing authentic poke, the founders recognized the clear gap on the mainland and set out to bring the fresh flavors of Hawaiian poke by offering customizable, healthy poke bowls, burritos, and salads. Their Poke Your Way^Ⓡ approach lets guests tailor orders to various diets, including vegan and gluten-free, while offering convenient grab-and-go options for guests on the go.