With its sustainably sourced fish, homemade sauces, and freshly chopped mix-ins, Island Fin Poké’s super-nutritious food is completely on-trend in society’s current health-obsessed culture. By Jessica Petrucelli
With its sustainably sourced fish, homemade sauces, and freshly chopped mix-ins, Island Fin Poké’s super-nutritious food is completely on-trend in society’s current health-obsessed culture. Offering an extensive, build-your-own menu of rice, protein, and toppings, the fast-casual franchise has had continued success since its launch in 2016. And the cool Hawaiian-style eatery recently hit a milestone. There are now more than 50 locations sold nationwide.
“We will double in size this year, with about 20 locations scheduled to open,” noted Mark Setterington, who who with Paul Reas owns and operates Island Fin Poké. “There is so much happening with this franchise,” Setterington said.
Established by Setterington and Reas because they both desired fast, fresh food in a casual environment, Island Fin Poké has grown rapidly from its original seven-state radius to include restaurants in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The franchise’s secret to such rapid success? Every one of its sauces, toppings, and proteins is delicious, healthy and fresh. And its approach to service is all based on experience and customer satisfaction.
“Our bowls are 480 to 700 calories, with 40 grams of protein. But the key to our success isn’t just about the food,” Setterington said. “We’re a very experiential brand, and while we do have incredible offerings, the ease of execution and the full-service experience you get in our fast-casual setting is second to none.”
The brand offers samples in the dining room and employs a waitstaff to fill drinks for each order. Food is delivered to tables that are then bussed after the meals have been enjoyed.
“There’s no garbage stand in the dining room because I want our customers to have a full-service experience when they dine with us,” Setterington said. “The relationships we build with our guests are very important to us. Our food fits everywhere, but what makes our franchises really successful is the atmosphere we provide. People have a lot of options. We focus on building a great rapport with our customers, and I think that’s the biggest difference between us and all of the other chain poké places.”
And now customers will be able to order food on the new Island Fin Poké app. “We just launched it and are very excited about it because it gives us a new and innovative way of serving our customers,” Setterington concluded.
Jessica Petrucelli
Contact: islandfinpoke.com/franchise