Young Ones to Watch: Peter Yang of Pokéworks

1851: What was it that drew you into franchising?

Peter Yang, Managing Partner of PokéWorks: The ability to scale through proven systems and models. Founders of Pokéworks strongly believe in comprehensive systems, procedures and training, to insure consistency, quality, and customer satisfaction. I think it is fair to say that is also the foundations to successful franchises. The first Pokéworks locations were bi-coastal; One in NYC, the other in CA. Yet through our systems and procedures, our guests at any of the stores received the exact same product and experience. Since then, there have been continuous efforts to improve our systems even more. 

1851: What do you see as the biggest change that is going to impact the franchise industry going forward? 
Yang: Consumers identifying more with brands with a strong mission statement of positive community, social, and environmental commitments. We began Pokéworks with a strong mission statement in mind: To serve up high-quality, healthy food in a convenient and responsible way. We are committed to consistently bringing you delicious Hawaiian-inspired poke made using only the most premium ingredients. Inspired by sustainable, seasonal, and natural ingredients, Pokéworks is committed to bringing you superior seafood. We view responsibly-sourced seafood as more than just a trend. We believe in the importance of meeting today’s needs while preserving our oceans so that future generations will never have to fish in troubled waters.

1851: How did you get in the role you’re in now? 
Yang: While growing up, my parents had restaurants where I would work (dishwasher, busser, you name it). I attended UCSD for Structural Engineering, but even after completing my M.S., I was not sold that was what I wanted to do. I craved a more high-energy, creative outlet. At the time, I had the opportunity to help out with a family restaurant in NY. I relocated to the East Coast in 2011 and fully immersed myself in F&B industry. During this time, I saw a demand for fresh, healthy, quick food that didn't sacrifice flavor or "craveability." Began exploring Poke to fill this void in 2015. Co-founded the brand and opened our first location in Dec 2015. Pokeworks currently has 12 operating locations across major cities in U.S. and over 70+ commitment located with international agreements in discussion.