Island Fin Poké uses sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest and most flavorful island-style poké bowls around, without a grill, grease trap, or fryer. Customers love the healthy, customizable concept with homemade sauces and a choice of 25 toppings. By Nancy E. Williams
Island Fin Poké uses sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest and most flavorful island-style poké bowls around, without a grill, grease trap, or fryer. Customers love the healthy, customizable concept with homemade sauces and a choice of 25 toppings.
Kurt and Eve Fadden opened the latest Island Fin Poké in Panama City Beach, Florida, in May 2022. “Eve and I have had various careers, from management to operations, and have owned businesses. We wanted to own and operate a business that had employees, so we started exploring franchises. After working with a broker for two years and doing a lot of research, we were introduced to Island Fin Poké, and we fell in love,” Kurt said. “What drew us in was the culture. Mark Setterington (co-founder of Island Fin Poké) is a great resource and cares about franchise owners.”
Simplicity was also important to the Faddens. “This is a simple food model, and we wanted something scalable,” Eve shared about their location, which will be open every day of the week. “The population here is unique – very seasonal. Panama City Beach only has a population of about 18,000, but many people come into the city to enjoy all of the amenities. Memorial Day to Labor Day is where we will make most of our revenue. Twenty-two million tourists will pour into the city during that time. There are a lot of short-term rentals. While there is a good local base with regulars, because we’re providing healthy, quick options, we’re confident we will be a big hit in the summers.”
The Faddens strongly believe that the industry is headed toward quick-service restaurants as well. “People want ‘on-the- move’ offerings, but many of these are unhealthy. There are not a lot of options that are quick or catered that are also healthy. People are becoming much more conscious about this. Island Fin Poké fits into every mold of health goals. Our offerings are heavy on proteins, almost every item is gluten-free, and there are lots of vegan, vegetarian, and keto-friendly options. You can just pop in and get great, fresh food,” said Kurt, who assures foodies that the tropical fare is not only healthy but also delicious.
Panama City Beach is a beach community, where recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable products are important. Island Fin Poké serves all of its food in biodegradable bowls, which is beneficial for the planet and customers who want to lessen their carbon footprint. “We consider this to be all part of catering to the customer. Customer service is important to us, down to carrying the food to customers’ tables,” Kurt said.
The Faddens said they are excited about the grand opening of their new location, which has generated a lot of buzz on social media, thanks to the help of the Island Fin Poké corporate team. The tools the Faddens have been given will enable them to be successful owners, with an eye toward expansion.
Nancy E. Williams