Established
2017
Franchise Units
36
Minimum Investment
$182,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$425,000
Home Based
No
Description
Just Poke has built a reputation as one of America’s most trusted fast-casual poke bowl concepts, blending the vibrant flavors of Hawaii with the convenience and speed modern diners expect. Known for its clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and beautifully crafted bowls, Just Poke has become a favorite for health-minded consumers, busy professionals, families, and millennials who appreciate fresh, customizable meals at an affordable price point. In a market where fast-casual continues to outperform traditional QSR, Just Poke has carved out a strong niche by prioritizing ingredient quality, eco-friendly practices, community engagement, and consistent operational execution.
The brand is admired not only for its food but for its polished, modern identity—clean store designs, digital ordering convenience, strong local partnerships, and a menu that feels both healthy and indulgent. With the national demand for poke and better-for-you dining rising each year, Just Poke stands out as a franchise concept positioned for strong scalability and long-term growth across suburban, urban, and mixed-use locations.
Why Invest in the Just Poke Franchise?
Investing in Just Poke gives entrepreneurs access to one of the fastest-growing categories in the American fast-casual industry. The poke market has expanded rapidly, driven by shifting consumer habits toward fresh, protein-rich meals. Just Poke sits at the center of this trend, offering a menu that is high in flavor, low in prep time, and extremely efficient from an operations standpoint.
• Lean operations – No grills, fryers, or heavy kitchen infrastructure—reducing labor, overhead, and complexity.
• High consumer demand – Fresh bowls, customization, and clean eating remain top foodservice trends nationally.
• Multiple revenue streams – Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, meal packs, corporate lunch programs, and third-party delivery.
• Strong brand identity – A polished, minimalistic brand experience that appeals to modern diners and premium locations.
• Eco-conscious positioning – Sustainable practices and quality sourcing give the brand an authentic edge in a competitive segment.
• Scalable model – Ideal for multi-unit expansion due to straightforward operations and compact footprint.
Background
Established Year:
Just Poke was founded in 2017.
Founders:
The brand was created by Derek Blas and Ryan Blas, two entrepreneurs passionate about fresh, sustainable food and Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
Brand Journey:
Just Poke started as a local concept that immediately struck a chord with customers looking for healthier dining options without sacrificing taste or convenience. The founders built the brand around three pillars: clean ingredients, speed of service, and responsible sourcing. Over the years, the company expanded across key urban and suburban markets, establishing a reputation for quality and consistency.
Current Franchise Active Units:
Just Poke operates 36+ locations across the United States, consisting of a mix of corporate-owned and franchised stores. The brand continues to expand steadily into high-traffic suburban, urban, college, and mixed-use markets, reflecting strong consumer demand for fresh, healthy fast-casual dining.
Ownership & Business Structure:
The founders continue to guide the company’s direction, emphasizing sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and a strong franchise support system. The brand maintains a modern fast-casual identity with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, menu development, and community involvement.
Market Presence in the USA:
Just Poke operates within the Fast-Casual / Healthy Dining / Poke Bowl industry, a category experiencing double-digit growth as consumers continue shifting toward nutritious, customizable, and quick meal options. The brand appeals broadly—from college towns and business districts to residential neighborhoods and mixed-use developments.
Support Training
Just Poke provides a structured and comprehensive support system designed to make franchisees confident and operationally strong from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
• Real estate evaluation, site selection guidance, and lease negotiation support
• Architectural layout, interior design, and store build-out assistance
• Vendor setup, equipment ordering, and supply chain onboarding
• Pre-opening marketing blueprint, launch promotions, and local area outreach
• Hiring assistance and staffing guidelines for building an efficient team
Operational Training
• In-store, hands-on training covering food prep, line operations, food safety, portion control, and service standards
• Training on menu execution, supply ordering, waste reduction, and inventory management
• Leadership training for managing staff, scheduling, and daily operations
• POS systems training, digital ordering setup, and technology tools
Marketing Support
• Local store marketing playbook and templates
• Social media guidance, branding assets, and digital content strategy
• National marketing campaigns and seasonal promotional support
• Access to branded photography and design collateral
• Reputation management and review generation strategy
Ongoing Support
• Regular field visits and performance evaluations
• Dedicated franchise support representative
• Updated product launches and menu development
• Operational improvements and technology upgrades
• Continuous training modules for new managers and team members
Ideal Candidate
Just Poke is well-suited for entrepreneurs who value clean, modern food concepts and want to build a scalable business with streamlined operations. The ideal franchisee is:
• Passionate about healthy eating, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences
• Experienced in food, retail, or hospitality (not mandatory but helpful)
• Comfortable managing people and maintaining high operational standards
• Financially capable of supporting initial launch and growth phases
• Interested in securing multi-unit territories in high-traffic communities
• Enthusiastic about bringing a modern, feel-good food concept to their local market
• Able to follow systems, manage cost controls, and maintain brand integrity
Just Poke attracts both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned operators looking to expand with a fresh, on-trend dining concept.
Financial Detail
Below values are structured in a franchise-listing-friendly format. You can adjust numbers once you have updated data from the franchisor.
Total Investment Required:
Approx. $182,000 – $425,000 (varies by size, build-out, equipment, and region)
Minimum Liquid Capital:
Typically $100,000+
Franchise Fee:
Approx. $30,000 – $45,000
Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs:
• Leasehold improvements
• Kitchen equipment and refrigeration
• Signage and branding
• POS systems & technology setup
• Furniture and interior design elements
Marketing Budget:
Estimated $10,000 – $20,000 for grand opening and initial promotions
Working Capital:
Approx. $15,000 – $40,000 depending on location and early operational needs
Royalty Fees:
Typically 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Fees:
Approx. 2% of gross sales
Expected ROI:
Many franchise operators target profitability within 18–30 months, depending on location performance and operational efficiency.
Break-Even Timeline:
Often within 12–24 months
Potential Revenue Streams:
• Dine-in and takeout
• Delivery (in-house + third-party platforms)
• Catering (corporate, events, schools, gyms)
• Meal prep / weekly bowl packs
• Seasonal menu items and add-ons
• Local partnership promotions