Aloha Poke Co.
Founded Concept inside of a 7’ x 13’ food hall located in Chicago’s West Loop. Within 2.5 years of the concepts ideation, the brand grew to 20+ locations in 4 states with over $20M in annual revenue. Exit in 2018 🚀
Founded
2015
Locations
30+
Title
Founder
Website
www.alohapokeco.com
Awards
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Eater Chicago
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Fast Casual Magazine
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QSR Magazine
What People Are Saying
“ Hunting for the longest lunch line downtown? I have the answer. Enter the Chicago French Market by the Ogilvie Transportation Center, and look for the mass of people. Inevitably, you'll spot a line that stretches so long, it's not immediately clear where it leads. But without question, it's snaking around the corner to Aloha Poke Co. “
— Chicago Tribune
“ The lunchtime line at the 250-square-foot food stall was so long that neighboring vendors complained about gridlock. Mr. Friedlander divided the line in two: an ordering line of 60 people, and a second line of people waiting to get into the ordering line, with space for cross-traffic. “
— The New York Times
“ The growth of Aloha Poke, launched in March, attracted a sizable investment in October. The customizable poke bowl concept serves a mostly raw menu, so it can operate in small footprints. Founder Zach Friedlander told Crain’s that each unit brings in over $1M in revenue on avg. “
— Crain’s Business, Chicago
“ Friedlander projects a calming and gracious warmth, the human equivalent of a Coleman camping lantern. “
— Chicago Tribune
“ The company started in 2016 in a food hall in Chicago’s busy West Loop, offering its customers fast, freshly packed sashimi-grade fish paired with delicious, whole ingredients. In the six years since its founding, Aloha Poke Co. has grown to locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. In addition to the brand’s responsibly sourced menu and simple, efficient operations, franchise restaurant investors are drawn to Aloha Poke Co.’s attractive initial capital requirements, unit economics, and appealing sales-to-investment figures. “