Franchisor Stories
How Just Poké is redefining the healthy fast-casual dining space through sustainability, streamlined operations and flexible formats as it expands beyond the Pacific Northwest.
Brand: Just Poké
Number of Units: 32
Initial Investment Range: $250,000 - $500,000
ROI Potential: Not publicly available
Units Sold Last Year: 8+ new units awarded
Just Poké has earned a place on 1851 Franchise’s 2026 Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises list, a recognition honoring brands that are accelerating rapidly into their next era of expansion.
Back in 2016, a couple of Seattle locals took a trip to Hawaii and absolutely fell in love with the simple, fresh perfection of poké. They came home and created Just Poké, aiming to bring that same authentic quality and flavor back with them, but served up in a fast-casual spot designed for today's busy, modern crowd.
Right from the start, Just Poké was a blend of real culinary care and a commitment to the community. They promised to use only sustainably sourced, sushi-grade fish, try to buy from local suppliers whenever they could, and run the whole business with an eye toward good environmental practices.
The result was a model that resonated quickly — Just Poké expanded to 11 stores within its first five years.
The Just Poké franchise is designed for simplicity, both in how it operates and in the modern experience it offers customers. Because its quick-service model doesn't need as much costly kitchen infrastructure as traditional restaurants, franchisees can spend more on getting top-notch ingredients and delivering great service.
The brand has built a loyal following by committing to sustainability, from the way it sources its fish to the materials used in building its stores. Plus, the menu is focused, offering easy-to-customize bowls, chef-designed options, and rotating seasonal items.
Just Poké’s expansion into nontraditional and high-traffic locations has also helped broaden its reach. As part of its growing portfolio, the company recently introduced Catch by Just Poké, a flexible-format concept designed for strategic environments like retail partners and smaller footprints.
“We’re thrilled to grow our fanbase through this strategic partnership with Walmart. It enables us to meet the growing demand for our offerings while introducing poké and Hawaiian-inspired food to a wider audience, including those trying it for the first time,” said Norman Wu, co-founder of Conscious Hospitality Group, in a press release. “We chose to make these locations Catch by Just Poké to differentiate with a smaller menu that can be customized to the specific location and customer demographic.”
Since launching its first store in 2016, Just Poké has expanded to 32 locations, including entry into British Columbia and new retail partnerships. The brand is on track to surpass 40 restaurants by 2026, driven by demand for healthier fast-casual options and its strong regional identity in the Pacific Northwest.
Just Poké is growing fast by mixing things up. By using smaller, "micro-format" stores and setting up shop in nontraditional spots, the brand is reaching all sorts of different customers and making sure more people know who they are in a bunch of markets.
People are really looking for healthier meal options these days, and the poké trend is absolutely booming in the fast-casual restaurant scene. Just Poké is hitting the sweet spot by aligning with several major consumer priorities: being good for the planet, offering super-fast service, looking great on social media, and providing seriously high-quality nutrition.
The brand uses a business model that's simple and efficient, all while being driven by a clear mission. This framework lets new franchise owners quickly establish themselves and really grow within their communities. With expansion territories now opening up beyond its original locations in Washington and British Columbia, those who jump in early have a huge advantage in snagging the best spots before everyone else catches on.
With projections to exceed 40 restaurants by 2026, Just Poké is preparing for multi-region growth. The company plans to continue evolving its store formats, menu innovations, and sustainable practices, all while preserving its Pacific Northwest roots.
As the brand enters its next chapter, Just Poké remains focused on responsible scaling that ensures every new location delivers the same experience that made the brand a regional favorite.
Stay tuned throughout the rest of the month for 1851 Franchise’s full Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises series to explore the other innovative brands making waves across the franchising industry.
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