LAST UPDATED: December 2025
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.islandfinpoke.com/franchise/
1851 GROWTH CLUB WEBSITE: https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/island-fin-poke-franchise-investment
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 28
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $283,550 - $449,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $485,389 (average gross revenue for franchises, FY 2022)
Island Fin Poké Company is a Hawaiian-inspired fast-casual restaurant that serves fresh poké bowls with over 25 topping options, homemade sauces, and sustainably sourced proteins. The brand focuses on providing a relaxed, friendly environment where guests are treated like family and enjoy clean, flavorful food inspired by the islands.
About the Brand
Island Fin Poké Company was founded in 2017 by Mark Setterington. His goal was to capture the Hawaiian lifestyle and bring it to local communities through fresh, flavorful food and genuine hospitality. Starting from his own kitchen, Setterington spent months experimenting with sauces and ingredients before opening the first Island Fin Poké Company location. Today, the brand continues to grow nationwide, inviting guests to experience “The Island Fin Way” — a welcoming, family-like atmosphere centered around quality food and service.
Mission: To bring the spirit of the islands to every community through fresh flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
Vision: To be America’s top destination for fresh poké and island-inspired dining experiences.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Why Franchise With Island Fin Poké Company?
Available Territories
Island Fin Poké Company is expanding across the United States. Interested candidates can submit a domestic or international inquiry form through the brand’s website to explore available territories.
The franchise is targeting markets including: Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts and New York.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of an Island Fin Poké Company franchise ranges from $283,550 - $449,500. The 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $49,500 |
| Training Expenses | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| Premises Deposits | $5,000 | $18,000 |
| Design & Architect Fees | $4,000 | $12,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements, Construction & Remodeling | $120,000 | $220,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $3,500 | $7,000 |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Computer Systems | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Equipment | $25,000 | $40,000 |
| Professional Fees | $750 | $1,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Insurance | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $40,000 | $55,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee required to begin operation of an Island Fin Poké Company outlet is $49,500 for the first outlet and $40,500 for the second. This fee is payable upon signing the franchise agreement.
Ongoing Fees: Island Fin Poké Company franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees, according to the 2023 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenues/month |
| Marketing | 1.5% of gross revenues/month |
| Social Media Marketing Fee | $1,000/monthly |
| Software/Applications Fees | $250/month |
| Internal Systems Fee | $300/month |
| Music Program | $40/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2023 FDD, the 21 franchise outlets operating for the entirety of FY 2022 reported the following gross revenue:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top 25% (5) | $740,857 | $739,340 | $962,194 | $588,074 |
| 2nd 25% (5) | $506,326 | $519,025 | $554,497 | $466,472 |
| 3rd 25% (5) | $419,445 | $425,521 | $454,316 | $394,198 |
| Bottom 25% (6) | $310,004 | $319,492 | $346,492 | $239,504 |
| Total (21) | $485,389 | $454,316 | $962,194 | $239,504 |
Training Programs
Island Fin Poké Company offers a comprehensive, multi-phase training program designed to prepare each franchisee for success. Training includes 17 hours in a classroom setting, 23 hours of on-the-job training, eight days of on-site team training at the franchisee’s location and five days of additional support during the opening week.
Operational Support
The brand offers ongoing operational support that covers site selection, lease negotiations, build-out guidance and marketing strategies. Corporate staff assist with grand openings, local store marketing and continued business coaching to help owners maintain consistency and growth.
Technology and Tools
Island Fin Poké Company provides modern POS systems and digital tools for online ordering, delivery integration, and loyalty program management. The brand also offers marketing templates and resources to simplify customer engagement and brand promotion.
Eligibility Criteria
Island Fin Poké Company does not specify any franchisee requirements with regards to liquid assets or net worth. Business or restaurant management experience is preferred but not required. The brand values candidates who are passionate about hospitality and community engagement.
Operational Commitments
Franchisees are expected to be hands-on operators, particularly during the startup phase. While semi-absentee ownership may be possible with strong management in place, Island Fin Poké Company emphasizes owner involvement to maintain quality and consistency.
Funding Assistance
The franchise works with outside lenders such as Benetrends for financing.
The fast-casual restaurant segment continues to grow in the U.S., driven by consumer demand for fresh, customizable and convenient meals. The global poké market has seen steady expansion, valued to increase $5.2 billion, at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2029, driven by the health benefits of the food. North America saw a 58% growth during the forecast period.
Competitor Analysis
Island Fin Poké Company stands out through its emphasis on in-house sauces, sustainable sourcing and family-style guest experience. Key competitors in the poké and fast-casual seafood space include Pokeworks, Sweetfin and Aloha Poke Company
6. What Is the Application Process for Island Fin Poké Company Franchisees?
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Buy a Franchise
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Island Fin Poké Company is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that brings the flavors of the Hawaiian islands to communities across the U.S.
LAST UPDATED: December 2025
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.islandfinpoke.com/franchise/
1851 GROWTH CLUB WEBSITE: https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/island-fin-poke-franchise-investment
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 28
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $283,550 - $449,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $485,389 (average gross revenue for franchises, FY 2022)
Island Fin Poké Company is a Hawaiian-inspired fast-casual restaurant that serves fresh poké bowls with over 25 topping options, homemade sauces, and sustainably sourced proteins. The brand focuses on providing a relaxed, friendly environment where guests are treated like family and enjoy clean, flavorful food inspired by the islands.
About the Brand
Island Fin Poké Company was founded in 2017 by Mark Setterington. His goal was to capture the Hawaiian lifestyle and bring it to local communities through fresh, flavorful food and genuine hospitality. Starting from his own kitchen, Setterington spent months experimenting with sauces and ingredients before opening the first Island Fin Poké Company location. Today, the brand continues to grow nationwide, inviting guests to experience “The Island Fin Way” — a welcoming, family-like atmosphere centered around quality food and service.
Mission: To bring the spirit of the islands to every community through fresh flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
Vision: To be America’s top destination for fresh poké and island-inspired dining experiences.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Why Franchise With Island Fin Poké Company?
Available Territories
Island Fin Poké Company is expanding across the United States. Interested candidates can submit a domestic or international inquiry form through the brand’s website to explore available territories.
The franchise is targeting markets including: Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts and New York.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of an Island Fin Poké Company franchise ranges from $283,550 - $449,500. The 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $49,500 |
| Training Expenses | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| Premises Deposits | $5,000 | $18,000 |
| Design & Architect Fees | $4,000 | $12,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements, Construction & Remodeling | $120,000 | $220,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $3,500 | $7,000 |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Computer Systems | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Equipment | $25,000 | $40,000 |
| Professional Fees | $750 | $1,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Insurance | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $40,000 | $55,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee required to begin operation of an Island Fin Poké Company outlet is $49,500 for the first outlet and $40,500 for the second. This fee is payable upon signing the franchise agreement.
Ongoing Fees: Island Fin Poké Company franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees, according to the 2023 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenues/month |
| Marketing | 1.5% of gross revenues/month |
| Social Media Marketing Fee | $1,000/monthly |
| Software/Applications Fees | $250/month |
| Internal Systems Fee | $300/month |
| Music Program | $40/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2023 FDD, the 21 franchise outlets operating for the entirety of FY 2022 reported the following gross revenue:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top 25% (5) | $740,857 | $739,340 | $962,194 | $588,074 |
| 2nd 25% (5) | $506,326 | $519,025 | $554,497 | $466,472 |
| 3rd 25% (5) | $419,445 | $425,521 | $454,316 | $394,198 |
| Bottom 25% (6) | $310,004 | $319,492 | $346,492 | $239,504 |
| Total (21) | $485,389 | $454,316 | $962,194 | $239,504 |
Training Programs
Island Fin Poké Company offers a comprehensive, multi-phase training program designed to prepare each franchisee for success. Training includes 17 hours in a classroom setting, 23 hours of on-the-job training, eight days of on-site team training at the franchisee’s location and five days of additional support during the opening week.
Operational Support
The brand offers ongoing operational support that covers site selection, lease negotiations, build-out guidance and marketing strategies. Corporate staff assist with grand openings, local store marketing and continued business coaching to help owners maintain consistency and growth.
Technology and Tools
Island Fin Poké Company provides modern POS systems and digital tools for online ordering, delivery integration, and loyalty program management. The brand also offers marketing templates and resources to simplify customer engagement and brand promotion.
Eligibility Criteria
Island Fin Poké Company does not specify any franchisee requirements with regards to liquid assets or net worth. Business or restaurant management experience is preferred but not required. The brand values candidates who are passionate about hospitality and community engagement.
Operational Commitments
Franchisees are expected to be hands-on operators, particularly during the startup phase. While semi-absentee ownership may be possible with strong management in place, Island Fin Poké Company emphasizes owner involvement to maintain quality and consistency.
Funding Assistance
The franchise works with outside lenders such as Benetrends for financing.
The fast-casual restaurant segment continues to grow in the U.S., driven by consumer demand for fresh, customizable and convenient meals. The global poké market has seen steady expansion, valued to increase $5.2 billion, at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2029, driven by the health benefits of the food. North America saw a 58% growth during the forecast period.
Competitor Analysis
Island Fin Poké Company stands out through its emphasis on in-house sauces, sustainable sourcing and family-style guest experience. Key competitors in the poké and fast-casual seafood space include Pokeworks, Sweetfin and Aloha Poke Company
6. What Is the Application Process for Island Fin Poké Company Franchisees?
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
