In a press release Tuesday, Chicago-based Aloha Poke Co. announced expansion plans to bring its first fast-casual eatery to the Atlanta market. Leading the venture is local entrepreneur and franchise veteran Randy Elias.
While the eatery is a first for the nation’s premier fast-casual poke restaurant concept in the state of Georgia, it has been in the works for the past few years. In 2019, the company was looking for individuals and multi-unit franchise owners to grow a presence in the Peach State. Then, late in 2020 – perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic – the company entered into an agreement with ghost kitchen operator Reef Kitchens as a way to introduce the brand to new, urban markets ahead of traditional brick and mortar development.
At the time, Reef had plans to bring two of its “Neighborhood Kitchens” to the 725 Ponce office development. It appears that these plans were not executed. A Reef Kitchen was also planned for 1200 Franklin Gateway SE in Marietta, but was denied by Mayor Steve Tumlin.
“Aloha Poke Co. is thrilled to come to Georgia,” said CEO Chris Birkinshaw in a statement. “We are happy that the people of Atlanta and surrounding communities will have access to our poke bowls, which infuse delicious, nutritious, and natural ingredients, especially at a time of heightened awareness around the quality and healthfulness of fast-casual menus.”
At the helm of the Georgia expansion is Randy Elias, a veteran franchise entrepreneur. Elias has more than twenty years of experience in fast-casual franchising, having owned several Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants in Acworth and Cartersville communities along with other fast casual ventures.
The beauty of the poke bowl presentation wasn’t the only thing that sold Elias on Aloha Poke franchising. In an effort to simplify his franchise portfolio, he also appreciated the brand’s franchise development program, the projected return on investment, the efficiency of operations, and low labor requirements.
“I have seen many different franchise concepts that require complex back-of-house build outs and cooking staff and are now experiencing the strain caused by current labor issues, economic turmoil, and supply chain challenges,” said Elias. “Aloha Poke’s brand development strategy and buildout requires much less to start and maintain, while still offering an attractive return on investment year-over-year. I feel that concepts like Aloha Poke are part of the fast-casual evolution toward offering higher-quality menu offerings as we continue to navigate pandemic-related disruptions.”
In speaking with What Now Atlanta, Elias said the city’s first Aloha Poke restaurant will have indoor seating and a station dedicated to to-go and third party delivery services.
The exact location is still tentative, but Elias is eyeing the Acworth area. And if all goes well, there is potential to add more throughout 2022.
Aloha Poke currently operates 17 locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The menu allows guests to pack their own poke bowls choosing from a variety of options such as rice and mixed greens, ahi tuna, Patagonian salmon, shrimp, tofu and other clean, simple, responsibly sourced ingredients.
Note: This article has been updated since its original publication to include comment from the owner.
