Established
2016
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$294,000
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total Investment Range
$661,000
Home Based
No
Description
LemonShark Poke has redefined the fast-casual seafood category by offering an elevated poke experience built on freshness, presentation, and modern coastal hospitality. Unlike grab-and-go poke concepts, LemonShark takes a chef-driven approach—serving premium-grade fish, warm bowls, customizable toppings, and Hawaiian-inspired flavors that appeal to health-conscious consumers across the United States. The brand combines the speed of quick service with the ambiance of a relaxed dining environment, creating a franchise model that stands out in the booming healthy-food segment.
Over the last several years, poke has risen from a niche Hawaiian specialty to a mainstream preference for urban professionals, families, and wellness-focused diners. LemonShark Poke has been at the forefront of this evolution, positioning itself as a high-quality alternative with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, clean branding, and a memorable guest experience. Its modern store design, efficient operations, and scalable business model have helped the brand build a strong franchise presence in markets looking to diversify beyond traditional fast casual.
Why Invest in LemonShark Poke?
LemonShark Poke offers a franchise opportunity that aligns squarely with consumer trends—fresh eating, bold flavors, customizable bowls, and health-driven dining. The concept requires less equipment than traditional restaurants, operates with a lean team structure, and minimizes food waste thanks to bowl-based portion control. This makes it exceptionally appealing for first-time operators and experienced multi-unit owners.
Investors benefit from a recognizable brand, refined menu engineering, robust supply chain partnerships, and a franchise model proven to be efficient and scalable in urban, suburban, and mixed-use developments. The poke category continues to expand nationwide, and LemonShark remains one of the few concepts delivering both premium quality and a polished dine-in experience. As more communities adopt fresh-casual cuisine, franchisees gain access to a fast-growing market segment with strong revenue potential.
Background
Established Year
LemonShark Poke was founded in 2016, created to introduce a more premium, hospitality-driven poke experience to the fast-casual dining landscape in the United States.
Founders
The brand was launched by Joey and Jatin, two entrepreneurs with deep roots in restaurant development and franchise operations. Their shared vision was to bring fresh, high-quality poke to mainstream American markets through a clean, modern, scalable franchise model.
Brand Journey & Company History
LemonShark Poke began with a simple idea: serve poke the way it is meant to be enjoyed—fresh, customizable, and beautifully presented. At a time when poke bars were rapidly emerging, the founders saw an opportunity to elevate the category with a more curated menu, refined store design, and superior ingredient standards. Early success in California led the brand to pursue franchising, adopting operational systems that emphasize efficiency, consistency, and a warm coastal atmosphere.
As the poke trend continued to expand, LemonShark distinguished itself by focusing on premium ingredients, warm bowls, and house-made sauces that deliver memorable flavor in every serving. Over time, the brand strengthened its supply chain partnerships, updated its store prototypes for better throughput, and introduced menu enhancements aligned with consumer preferences for clean, health-focused cuisine.
Franchise Active Units – Current Number
LemonShark Poke operates 20+ franchise and corporate units across the United States, with additional locations under development in high-demand suburban and metropolitan markets.
Ownership & Leadership
The company continues to operate under a leadership team committed to quality, brand integrity, and franchisee profitability. The founders and corporate team actively support franchisees with training, marketing, supply chain access, and new product innovation to ensure each location meets the brand’s elevated standards.
Market Presence in the USA
LemonShark Poke maintains a growing presence in states including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and several emerging markets. Its modern coastal branding, clean menu, and strong emphasis on freshness have positioned it as a recognizable name within the fast-casual poke and healthy dining sectors.
Industry Category
The franchise operates within the fast-casual restaurant, healthy dining, and poke bowl categories—high-growth segments driven by consumer demand for nutritious, customizable, globally inspired meals.
Support Training
LemonShark Poke offers a franchise support system designed to set every owner up for long-term success—from site selection to daily operations.
Pre-Launch Support
• Detailed site selection assistance, supported by demographic and traffic analysis
• Lease negotiation guidance
• Architectural and layout planning based on proven store models
• Complete onboarding and operational orientation
• Supplier introductions and equipment specifications
Training Program
• Initial training at a certified LemonShark location covering food prep, brand standards, guest service, sanitation, and daily operations
• Comprehensive instruction on inventory management, scheduling, staffing, and POS systems
• Hands-on leadership training for owners and managers
• Certification process ensuring readiness before opening
Grand Opening & Operational Support
• On-site corporate support during soft opening and launch week
• Marketing playbook with digital, social, and local activation tactics
• Ongoing coaching calls with franchise performance managers
• Regular operational audits and brand refresh updates
Marketing Support
• National brand campaigns
• Social media templates, PR assets, and promotional calendars
• Access to approved vendors for digital ads, print materials, and community events
Ideal Candidate
LemonShark Poke is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to align with a modern, health-forward food brand without the complexities of traditional full-service restaurants. Successful franchisees typically demonstrate:
• A passion for hospitality and delivering high-quality guest experiences
• Strong operational discipline and willingness to follow proven systems
• Ability to manage a team in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in multi-unit development or long-term market expansion
• Financial capability to invest and sustain early-stage operations
• Preference for high-traffic suburban or urban areas with strong daytime and evening demand
Whether an experienced restaurateur or a first-time investor seeking a low-barrier entry into food service, LemonShark Poke provides a model that supports growth, efficiency, and brand reputation.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $294,000 – $661,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $300,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales |
| Local Marketing Spend (Grand Opening) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Store Size (Typical) | 1,200 – 1,800 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $350,000 (varies by market) |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Décor & Signage | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| POS, Technology & Security Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Training Expenses | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 12–24 months (market-dependent) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, seasonal menu specials |