Pokeworks Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in customizable poke bowls, featuring fresh seafood, toppings, and sauces inspired by Hawaiian flavors.

Pokeworks, founded in 2015 in New York City, set out to bring Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls and burritos to a broader audience. Spotting an opportunity for growth, the brand began franchising in 2016, expanding rapidly across the United States and internationally.

Now based in Irvine, California, Pokeworks has made a name for itself in the fast-casual dining industry by offering highly customizable, high-quality sashimi-grade seafood and fresh, natural ingredients.

Their menu caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

The company's dedication to sustainability is evident in their use of eco-friendly packaging and commitment to sourcing sustainable seafood. Additionally, Pokeworks partners with local communities and organizations to promote environmental awareness and healthy living.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Architectural Design and Permits $6,700 to $17,500
Construction and Remodeling $125,000 to $323,000
Initial Lease Deposit $5,000 to $20,000
Furniture & Fixtures $4,000 to $9,000
Equipment $60,075 to $74,392
Business Licenses and Permits $1,000 to $4,000
Inventory $5,000 to $10,000
Signs $9,780 to $14,986
Pre-Opening Marketing $7,500
Insurance $500 to $3,000
Computer and POS System $5,144 to $8,077
Employee Wages $15,000
Legal and Accounting Fees $2,000 to $5,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months $25,000 to $50,000
Training Expenses $3,000 to $7,500
Total $314,699 to $608,955
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Architectural Design and Permits $6,700 to $17,500
Construction and Remodeling $125,000 to $323,000
Initial Lease Deposit $5,000 to $20,000
Furniture & Fixtures $4,000 to $9,000
Equipment $60,075 to $74,392
Business Licenses and Permits $1,000 to $4,000
Inventory $5,000 to $10,000
Signs $9,780 to $14,986
Pre-Opening Marketing $7,500
Insurance $500 to $3,000
Computer and POS System $5,144 to $8,077
Employee Wages $15,000
Legal and Accounting Fees $2,000 to $5,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months $25,000 to $50,000
Training Expenses $3,000 to $7,500
Total $314,699 to $608,955

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Pokeworks

key competitors in the

Healthy

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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61

New
+
7%
7%

$40,000

$315,000

$609,000

n.a.

$835,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training 

Pokeworks offers an extensive training program and continuous support to its franchisees.

Mandatory Training and Retraining Franchisees and their staff must participate in mandatory training and retraining sessions throughout the franchise agreement term. These sessions, which cover various aspects of franchise operations, are essential for maintaining high standards. Franchisees are responsible for all related costs, including travel, accommodation, and wages.

Initial Training Program Before opening a store, franchisees must attend and complete a crucial training program provided by Pokeworks. The training, conducted at locations determined by the franchisor, is mandatory for the designated manager and potentially other key staff members. To successfully complete the program, attendees must pass a competency test, demonstrating proficiency in English.

Additional Training Sessions Periodically, Pokeworks conducts additional training and information sessions. Franchisees are required to send their designated manager and potentially other managers to these sessions at their own expense. Failure to attend may result in a penalty fee.

Territory Protection

Pokeworks assigns a specific Franchise Territory for each franchise location, detailed in the Franchise Agreement. Although franchisees have certain rights within their Franchise Territory, these rights are not exclusive. This means franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, or other distribution channels controlled by Pokeworks.

Pokeworks retains the right to sell products and services within a Franchise Territory through various channels, including Non-Traditional Venues and Limited Access Locations. These sales do not infringe upon the territorial rights of the franchisee.

For franchisees who purchase multiple unit development rights, Pokeworks grants a temporary Development Territory. This territory comes with specific conditions regarding exclusivity and adherence to a development schedule.

Competitors

VARA Juice Restaurant

VARA Juice Restaurant is a health-focused franchise offering fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and plant-based meals in a clean, modern setting.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$252,000 - $648,000

Project LeanNation

Project LeanNation is a health-focused meal prep and nutrition franchise providing balanced, macro-friendly meals designed for fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals.

Franchisees

?

28
+
300%
300%
Investment

?

$238,000 - $354,000

fresh&co

fresh&co is a farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant franchise serving salads, grain bowls, and organic meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

Franchisees

?

4
+
100%
100%
Investment

?

$588,000 - $1,386,000

Kale Me Crazy

Kale Me Crazy is a health food franchise specializing in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and organic salads.

Franchisees

?

22
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$321,000 - $572,000

Uncle Sharkii

Uncle Sharkii is a Hawaiian-inspired poke bowl franchise offering fresh seafood, boba tea, and healthy meal options.

Franchisees

?

6
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$90,000 - $300,000

JUICE IT UP

JUICE IT UP is a health-focused franchise that serves fresh juices, smoothies, and acai bowls made from high-quality, nutrient-packed ingredients.

Franchisees

?

83
+
6%
6%
Investment

?

$271,000 - $632,000