Entrepreneurs seeking a healthy, fast-casual franchise backed by industry-leading training should look no further than FRESH Healthy Café. This emerging brand offers a proven system and full support for franchisees – from site selection and lease negotiations to store build and ongoing operations. However, it’s the company’s extensive hands-on training that really stands out. By Nancy E. Williams
ORLANDO, Fla. — In 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. opened its doors to the public with a simple mission: provide the community with healthy, nutritious poké inspired by the vivid flavors of Hawaii. Today, the beloved poké concept is proud to celebrate its eighth anniversary, a testament to its unwavering success of boat-to-bowl fresh poké and Ohana-driven mindset.
To commemorate eight years of operation, the poké franchise is celebrating in traditional Island Fin fashion — by giving back to their Ohana. On Island Fin’s eighth anniversary, Thursday, March 20, guests can visit one of Island Fin’s 22 locations nationwide to collect a free, limited-edition Island Fin sticker with the purchase of any delicious bowl.
Inspired by the Hawaiian lifestyle, CEO and Founder Mark Setterington started Island Fin Poké Co. with a vision to transport guests to the tropical islands of Hawaii through incredibly fresh flavors. Mark’s dedication and passion for poké cultivated in his home kitchen where he relentlessly experimented with his poké creations and homemade sauces. Over the course of numerous taste tests with friends and family, Mark had solidified Island Fin’s homemade sauces — all fresh, delicious and gluten-free.
“Since day one, Island Fin has always been about caring for our Ohana,” said Mark. “Without our Ohana and our guests, Island Fin wouldn’t be where it is today, which is why every bowl and every scoop we serve consists of only the freshest and most flavorful ingredients around.”
From homemade sauces to an extensive array of proteins, mix-ins and toppings, Island Fin has always prioritized a diverse, healthy and flavorful menu where guests can build their own IncrediBOWL culinary creation. For eight years, Island Fin Poké Co. has been inspiring guests with sustainable and healthy ingredients such as Coho Salmon — a sustainably sourced alternative to wild sockeye salmon — and a wide range of vegetarian and gluten-free options that provide their Ohana with a meal that’s just as nutritious as it is delicious.
With poké bowls customized to each guest’s preferences, Island Fin offers a variety of protein options including chicken, tofu, spam and boat-to-bowl fresh tuna, salmon, shrimp and octopus. When guests order at Island Fin, they receive a bowl crafted to their personal liking. Island Fin is deeply committed to fostering a close-knit and supportive community for guests while also maintaining growth and expanding into more market segments for years to come.
To learn more about Island Fin Poké Co., visit IslandFinPoke.com. For media inquiries, please contact PR@TeamInnoVision.com.
Esta información y el comunicado de prensa están disponibles en español para los medios de comunicación que así lo requieran.
About Island Fin Poké Co.
Island Fin Poké Co. is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has 22 locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké Co. was ranked #29 on the 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises list by Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in Fast Casual’s 2023 Top Movers & Shakers list, and recognized as a Top 100 Game Changer for 2022 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand’s Ohana, please visit IslandFinPoke.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Island Fin Poké Co., America’s favorite poké restaurant, is excited to kick off 2025 with a fresh new addition to their Hawaiian-inspired menu. The renowned poké franchise is introducing Coho Salmon, a species of salmon native to the Pacific Ocean that is known for its delicate, mild and lightly sweet flavor. Island Fin’s sustainably sourced Coho Salmon will sit alongside their already extensive listing of farm-to-fork and boat-to-bowl fresh proteins such as Ahi Tuna, Octopus, Tofu and more.
Coho Salmon is similar to Wild Sockeye Salmon, but with a more vibrant color and milder flavor. Coho Salmon also has a tightness and strength to their scales which makes them immune to sea lice and is a virus, meaning they require no chemical treatments and are a true boat-to-bowl source of protein at Island Fin. High in protein, low in calories and an amazing source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Coho Salmon is a delicious treat rich in vitamins and minerals to support one’s overall health — just another way Island Fin seeks to support their Ohana’s wellbeing.
Additionally, Island Fin’s Coho Salmon aligns with their dedication to providing guests with sustainably sourced ingredients. Growing twice as fast as other salmon species, Coho spends less time in the seawater of the Pacific Ocean and will be transported by boat rather than plane, resulting in lower CO2 emissions and less negative environmental impact overall.
Due to its milder flavor, Coho Salmon blends beautifully with Island Fin’s array of mix-ins and toppings such as Edamame, Jalapeños, Cucumbers, Pineapple, Pickled Ginger and more. Guests can also douse their Coho Salmon in savory Marinating Sauces like Island Fin Fire — fresh pineapple, habanero peppers, cilantro, wildflower honey and rice vinegar mixed with Shoyu — and add a finishing touch with a Finishing Sauce like the Avocado Cream — creamy and fresh avocado mixed with lime juice and authentic Mexican crema. For an extra crunch to complement Coho Salmon’s soft, juicy texture, Island Fin offers dry toppings such as Tempura Crisps, Crispy Garlic, Furikake and more.
Since 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has been bringing the flavors and Aloha mindset of the Hawaiian Islands to the mainland, inspiring guests with their sustainable and healthy ingredients, such as Coho Salmon, along with a welcoming atmosphere. Their new addition of Coho Salmon to their menu further solidifies the poké franchise as a true trailblazer of health and sustainability in the quick service restaurant market. Dedicated to serving their Ohana, Island Fin is dedicated to making nutritious and delicious cuisine available to all members of the communities they serve.
To learn more about Island Fin Poké Co., visit IslandFinPoke.com. For media inquiries, please contact PR@TeamInnoVision.com. Esta información y el comunicado de prensa están disponibles en español para los medios de comunicación que así lo requieran.
About Island Fin Poké Co.
Island Fin Poké Co. is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has 22 locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké Co. was ranked #29 on the 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises list by Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in Fast Casual’s 2023 Top Movers & Shakers list, and recognized as a Top 100 Game Changer for 2022 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand’s Ohana, please visit IslandFinPoke.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Get your furry friends and cameras ready because Island Fin Poké Co., America’s favorite poké spot, is hosting a dog-themed social media contest this July! Dogs are Ohana too, which means they deserve just as much of the spotlight. Guests who post their favorite picture with their dog could win limited-edition Island Fin merchandise and a six-month subscription to Bark Box!
The contest will run on Instagram throughout July, with weekly winners and one grand-prize winner. Contestants have unlimited entries if each picture they post is different, so everyone can get creative and post away! To enter, contestants must follow the steps below:
Weekly winners will be determined by an IncrediBOWL panel of dog experts and will be announced on the caption of Island Fin’s Instagram contest posts starting on Monday, July 8. Each weekly winner will receive a limited-edition Island Fin metal dog bowl, dog bandana and a doggy bag holder.
After the weekly winners are announced, all contestants are then entered to win the grand prize, a free six-month subscription to Bark Box — a monthly subscription service providing dog products, services and experiences. The grand prize winner will be chosen through voting on Island Fin’s Instagram story polls and announced on August 2. Contestants can spread the word to family and friends to help them win big!
This contest isn’t the only chance for guests to get their hands on exclusive merch. On Friday, July 12, Island Fin will be introducing their new limited-edition, dog-themed sticker! The first 50 guests to purchase any bowl at each Island Fin location will receive this free sticker on July 12.
Don’t miss these opportunities to grab exclusive Island Fin merch this summer and experience the freshest poké bowls around. For more information, visit Island Fin Poké Co.’s website at www.IslandFinPoke.com. or contact PR@TeamInnoVision.com for media inquiries.
About Island Fin Poké Co.
Island Fin Poké Co. is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has 22 locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké Co. was ranked #29 on the 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises list by Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in Fast Casual’s 2023 Top Movers & Shakers list, and recognized as a Top 100 Game Changer for 2022 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand’s Ohana, please visit https://www.IslandFinPoke.com/.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Get ready for the ultimate poké party! On Wednesday, March 20, Island Fin Poké Co., America’s favorite poké restaurant, is celebrating its seventh anniversary with an exciting sticker drop for its guests. This sticker is free to all guests who order a bowl on its anniversary and is available at all locations, until supplies last.
In 2017, Mark Setterington, CEO and founder of Island Fin Poké Co. created a poké concept that combined deliciously vibrant flavors and emphasized creating an Ohana-like, or family-like, atmosphere in every location. This ideology and foundation are what set up Island Fin Poké Co. to experience success over the past seven years in over 20 locations across the U.S.
“My concept behind this brand was to truly transport guests back to the islands of Hawaii through the flavors and atmosphere we radiate,” said Setterington. “Our birthday signifies our brand’s commitment to remain as authentic as we can for our guests and introducing a new style of fast-casual poké restaurant. I want to personally thank our Ohana because we would not be where we are today without your love and support!”
For this celebration, Island Fin created a colorful sticker that represents the peaceful Hawaiian shores and it’s exclusively available on March 20, until supplies last for any guest ordering a fresh poké bowl. This is the third of ten sticker drops this year, and if guests collect all ten, they can be entered in a raffle for the chance to win a customized Island Fin Poké Co. surfboard.
“Our birthday means so much to us because we love celebrating with our Ohana. We wanted to give it back to our biggest fans, so we created this exciting prize with a customized surfboard, and the winner will be announced later this year,” added Setterington.
In the past year, the brand has opened new locations in different communities and states, has introduced multiple new menu items, such as the most recent Nashville Hot Chicken Bowl, always offering their guests an IncrediBOWL experience during each and every visit. Island Fin plans to expand its menu offerings and expand into even more new communities throughout the year.
Island Fin has partnered with GNF Worldwide, the world’s leading franchising firm, and has been recognized by multiple distinguished franchising publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, where they earned the reputation of 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises.
For more information on the brand’s sticker drops, visit IslandFinPoke.com or stay tuned on social media for sticker drop announcements. For media inquiries, please email Bianca Kasawdish at Bianca@TeamInnoVision.com.
About Island Fin Poké Co.
Island Fin Poké Co. is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has 23 locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké Co. was ranked #29 on the 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises list by Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in Fast Casual’s 2023 Top Movers & Shakers list, and recognized as a Top 100 Game Changer for 2022 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand’s Ohana, please visit https://www.IslandFinPoke.com/.
After traveling throughout the U.S. working for different corporations for many years, Tammy and Scott Fitzpatrick decided they were ready for a different kind of opportunity. After a long time of exploring different franchise brands, they connected with Mark Setterington, CEO and founder of Island Fin Poké Co. By Cindy Charette
ORLANDO, Fla. — In the Hawaiian language, Ohana translates to “family” and Island Fin Poké Co., America’s favorite poké restaurant, is all about creating an Ohana-like environment for the various market segments it serves. That’s why the brand is proud to announce the launch of “Ohana Month” – a celebration of family, community and philanthropy, during the whole month of November.
Island Fin, with its deep roots in Hawaiian culture and cuisine, has always held the values of family close to its heart. The essence of Ohana goes beyond a Hawaiian word that means family; it’s a way of life. The brand is deeply committed to fostering a close-knit and supportive community among its guests, cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and cherished. Inspired by the spirit of family, Island Fin Poké Co. has launched an initiative, from November 1st to December 31st, to benefit Maui Food Bank.
Mark Setterington, CEO and founder of Island Fin Poké Co., shared his thoughts on the significance of Ohana Month, saying, “Ohana is absolutely everything to this brand. We wanted to dedicate a month out of the year to really giving back and emphasize the importance of family. Ohana Month is where our brand can showcase the importance of family and how we come together to bring support to anyone in need. It’s a true embodiment of our mission.”
A major highlight of Ohana Month is the brand’s commitment to giving back to the community. Starting on November 1st, Island Fin Poké Co. will be actively supporting the Maui Food Bank through a special initiative following the devastating recent Maui wildfires. In partnership with the Spartan Race, any Island Fin Poké Co. guest who donates $100 or more using the dedicated link to the Maui Food Bank will be gifted a free Spartan Race ticket. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of the Spartan Race and make a meaningful contribution to the Maui Food Bank’s vital mission.
The brand has given back to its communities in numerous ways. Back in the month of August, when the fires began to destroy the city of Lahaina, all Island Fin locations directly donated a percentage of their sales on August 18 to the Maui Food Bank to help provide direct relief to Lahaina residents. At the Worcester, MA location, the franchise owners raised money for CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocate in Worcester. At The Villages, FL location, the franchise owners decided to spread cheer on Christmas Day and visited five local fire stations, delivering Dole Soft Serve® to the first responders on duty to brighten their holiday. With many more local stories, the brand emphasizes the importance of helping its communities in any way they can.
Setterington added, “We believe in the strength of our communities to participate in this initiative. This initiative is more than just a token of appreciation to our guests; it’s an embodiment of our commitment to giving back and building a stronger, more connected community. It’s a way for us to reinforce our commitment to the values of Ohana that have always been at the core of Island Fin Poké Co.”
Island Fin Poké Co. encourages everyone to join in the spirit of Ohana Month and make a difference in the lives of those in need. To learn more about this initiative and to donate, please visit the Maui Food Bank’s dedicated page at https://mauifoodbank.org/event/island-fin-poke/. For more information on Island Fin, visit Island Fin Poké Co.’s website at www.IslandFinPoke.com or contact Bianca Kasawdish for media inquiries at Bianca@TeamInnoVision.com.
About Island Fin Poké Co.
Island Fin Poké Co. is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké Co. has 26 locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké Co. was ranked #29 on the 2023 Top New & Emerging Franchises list by Entrepreneur Magazine, listed in Fast Casual’s 2023 Top Movers & Shakers list, and recognized as a Top 100 Game Changer for 2022 by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand’s Ohana, please visit https://www.IslandFinPoke.com/.
Award-Winning Tex-Mex Concept to Make Community Debut in Spring 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. — Capital Tacos, the small-town taco shop turned nationally-acclaimed Tex-Mex restaurant franchise, is taking the taste of Tex-Mex #DoneRight to Raleigh after having secured the brand’s first-ever franchise agreement for the state of North Carolina; the latest in a series of deals that have been expanding the footprint of the franchise across the country this past year.
David and Silvia Robertson are the husband-and-wife duo responsible for putting Raleigh on the map for the fan-favorite taco franchise. Combining his 25 years of sales leadership experience in the IT market with her background in the operations and quality control of various restaurant brands, both have hopes high for the role the franchise will be able to play in furthering the flavor innovation and food ingenuity for the local culinary scene.
The deal is for a single unit, though David and Silvia have each expressed an intention to introduce additional Capital Tacos locations throughout the Raleigh market in the years ahead, once the public has had the opportunity to get acquainted with the restaurant concept and its commitment to providing the best Tex-Mex known to man.
“This truly feels like a full-circle moment. Silvia and I met working in a restaurant out in Las Vegas 30 years ago, and now, we’re realizing a dream and opening one together,” David shared. “And doing so with a brand that values menu quality and guest experience as highly as Capital Tacos reaffirms that this shift in lifestyle is the right move to make.”
Since launching its franchise program in early 2022, Capital Tacos has expanded far beyond its Tampa homebase, with brick-and-mortar restaurants open or under development in Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Tulsa, Nashville, New Jersey, Raleigh, and markets throughout Florida – many of which have opened just in the past few months.
“After having just debuted our first corporate-owned location in Charlotte, it’s incredible to see the fervor for the franchise materialize across North Carolina so quickly,” said Josh Luger, Co-founder of Capital Tacos. “Both David and Silvia will make wonderful additions to the Capital Tacos franchise community, and we can’t wait to see them introduce some Tex-Mex #doneright to Raleigh in the near future.”
Capital Tacos is currently seeking single-unit and multi-unit franchisees interested in new career opportunities or those looking to diversify their current portfolios.
For more information on Capital Tacos franchise opportunities, please visit https://capitaltacosfranchise.com/.
ABOUT CAPITAL TACOS:
Capital Tacos is a nationally-ranked, fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant franchise founded in Tampa, Florida, that currently operates, or will imminently be operating, across the states of Florida, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Oklahoma. They’ve been named one of America’s Top 40 Hottest Fast Casual Brands and one of the 11 Taco Chains Disrupting Fast Casual Sector by QSR Magazine, a top 3 taco in the country by Business Insider/Foursquare, and the top taco restaurant in Tampa / St. Petersburg by Yelp, amongst a variety of other awards. The emerging franchise brand is known for its scratch-made, innovative, and unmatched Tex-Mex flavors, pushing the boundaries of quality and creativity that the sector has become known to provide. Capital Tacos is currently seeking qualified candidates to help further expand the franchise to select markets across the Southeast and the country more generally.