Koibito Pokē is a fast-casual poke bowl franchise founded in 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The brand was launched by Koibito Franchise, LLC under CEO and co-founder Todd Stottlemyre, a former MLB pitcher and best-selling author.

The company is headquartered at 8776 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 106‑104, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. The franchise began expanding in 2019, with its first franchised unit opening in 2021.

Koibito Pokē specializes in customizable poke bowls made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Customers choose from bases like rice or greens, premium proteins such as salmon, tuna, or teriyaki chicken, and a wide variety of toppings and house-made sauces. Options are available for vegan, keto, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.

Training

Koibito Poke offers a comprehensive training program to prepare franchisees for successful restaurant operations. The franchise provides both classroom instruction and on-site practical training before the business opens. Here are the components of their training:

1. Initial Training Program: This includes approximately 4 days of classroom training at the corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona (or another designated location) and an additional 6 days of on-site training at the franchisee’s restaurant.
2. Training Content: Topics covered include Administrative Procedures, Ordering and Inventory, Cost Controls, and Personnel Management, with a blend of classroom and on-the-job instruction.
3. Remedial Training: If deficiencies are found in restaurant operations, Koibito Poke may require the Managing Owner and key personnel to undergo remedial training focused on correcting specific issues.
4. Ongoing and Additional Training: Franchisees may request additional training, which the franchisor may provide at a mutually convenient time, typically at the franchisee's expense.

Territory Protection

Koibito Poke grants its franchisees a protected territory, typically a one-mile radius around their restaurant location, as detailed in their franchise agreement. Within this protected area, the franchisor agrees not to develop or license another Koibito Poke restaurant for the term of the agreement, providing a degree of operational exclusivity.

These protections also apply under an Area Development Agreement (ADA), where the development territory may span broader municipal boundaries depending on the number of units to be developed.

However, this territorial protection has significant limitations. Koibito Poke reserves the right to establish locations within “Captive Venues” such as airports, malls, hospitals, and stadiums, even if they fall within a franchisee’s territory.