Three more outlets of the Pokemoto chain – which has several restaurants in the New Haven area – are set to open in Connecticut, its Texas-based parent company announced this week.
Muscle Maker Inc., which bought the Pokemoto concept last year, said three more franchise agreements had been signed in the Connecticut market, although it did not specify locations.
The new deals could bring the number of Pokemotos to 18 locations in the state, with 10 currently open and eight in the planning stages.
The parent company announced four new Pokemoto franchises planned for the New Haven area alone in December.
CEO Michael Roper said, “The Connecticut market hosts the most Pokemoto eateries with 18 locations, once the newly signed agreements are opened. We’re thrilled to hold the title of the biggest poke player in the state of Connecticut.”
A customizable, Hawaiian-Japanese concoction of raw fish and vegetables served over rice, poke has become popular with younger and carb-conscious diners.
The poke trend may have peaked in New Haven in 2018, when three separate restaurants focused on the raw fish dish were operating downtown. Pokelicious at 37 Church St. and PokeCape at 165 Orange St. have since closed.
Nationwide, Muscle Maker has signed 43 new franchise agreements for Pokemoto restaurants in recent months and expanded into three additional states, according to a company statement.
In addition to Pokemoto, Muscle Maker operates Muscle Maker Grill restaurants and SuperFit Foods, a meal prep brand.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
