Pokeworks Expands Greater Boston Presence with Multiple Openings
Pokeworks has opened a new location in Cambridge, reopened its Somerville restaurant, and announced additional sites in development across Greater Boston.
Pokeworks, through franchise partners Rong Cong and Lelin Kandel, has expanded its presence in Greater Boston with the opening of a new restaurant at 60 First St. in Cambridge in February, located at the entrance of the CambridgeSide Galleria. The team has also reopened the Pokeworks restaurant at 261 Elm St. in Somerville.
Cong and Kandel signed a seven-unit development agreement with Pokeworks in 2024. Their development pipeline includes the recent Cambridge and Somerville locations, as well as additional restaurants in progress. Forthcoming locations are planned for Burlington, opening in the second quarter, and Hanover Crossover, opening this summer.
Lelin Kandel was Pokeworks' first employee in 2015 and later served as Senior Operations Manager before becoming a multi-unit franchisee. Rong Cong has experience operating Pokeworks locations in other markets.
The franchise partners are seeking real estate for future Pokeworks locations in Wellesley, Jamaica Plain, Fenway-Kenmore, Seaport, Brighton-Allston, and Woburn.
Early results at the Cambridge location have included increased catering orders and a high level of repeat business. The group is focusing on building density in high-potential neighborhoods before entering new markets.
