Poke Bowl United Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$224,000 - $506,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total US Locations
12
Business Summary
Poke Bowl United LLC operates a specialty fast-casual restaurant business that offers Hawaiian-Japanese style poke bowls and related food and beverage items. Franchisees operate these restaurants under the Poke Bowl United brand marks, following the franchisor's distinctive operating procedures and standards from a single location within a designated territory.
Corporate History
Poke Bowl United LLC was formed as a limited liability company in Nevada on June 3, 2019. However, Poke Bowl United LLC has operated Hawaiian-style poke bowl fast-casual restaurants through its affiliates since 2016, using the Poke Bowl United trade name and marks. The company began offering franchises on June 14, 2022.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$224,000 - $506,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$45,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$97,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$232,000
Working Capital
$45,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The FDD highlights a special risk regarding Poke Bowl United LLC's financial condition, stating that its financial statements raise questions about its ability to provide services and support to franchisees. Review of the financial statements shows that Poke Bowl United LLC has experienced negative net income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024.
Financing Details
Poke Bowl United LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. It also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or obligations on their behalf.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
12
Franchised Units
2
Corporate Units
10
Franchising Since
2022
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Poke Bowl United LLC has no litigation to report. The company states that no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Poke Bowl United LLC has no bankruptcy history to report. The company states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Poke Bowl United franchise, franchisees must be in full compliance with their agreement and have had no more than three defaults during the current term. They need to provide written notice at least six months before the current term ends, sign a new franchise agreement, and pay a successor agreement fee of $10,000. Additionally, franchisees must still have the right to occupy their current location or have approval to relocate, remodel their business to meet current brand standards, sign a general release, and comply with all current qualifications and training requirements, including any additional training.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before a Poke Bowl United franchise opens, the franchisor helps with site selection guidelines and approves the location. They provide specifications for the layout, design, appearance, and signage, and grant access to the Operations Manual. The franchisor also provides a list of required equipment, supplies, and products. Initial training is provided at the franchisor's headquarters or an affiliate-owned outlet, or at the franchisee's location. A trainer also provides at least seven days of on-site support during the grand opening. After opening, Poke Bowl United LLC offers additional mandatory or optional training programs, including annual business meetings or conferences (up to five days per year). Corrective on-site training and individualized assistance via phone, video, or email are available upon request. The franchisor also provides samples of advertising and promotional materials, conducts inspections of the business, and updates lists of approved suppliers. They may recommend minimum and maximum prices for products and services and must approve all franchisee advertising materials.
Initial Training Hours
120
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in New York, New York, or an affiliate-owned outlet, or at the franchisee's location.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Poke Bowl United LLC provides several forms of ongoing support. Franchisees may be required to attend mandatory additional training programs for up to five days per year, as well as an annual business meeting or conference for up to five days per year. Corrective on-site training and individualized assistance by telephone, video conferencing, or email are available upon request or as deemed appropriate by the franchisor, though some may incur a fee. The franchisor also provides samples or digital artwork for advertising and promotional materials, conducts regular inspections of the business, and provides written specifications for required equipment and updated lists of approved suppliers. They may recommend minimum and maximum prices for products and services and are responsible for approving or disapproving all franchisee-proposed advertising and promotional campaigns.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Poke Bowl United seeks individuals, or for business entities, an Operating Principal with at least a 10% equity interest, who will be actively involved and dedicate full-time effort to supervising and managing the Franchised Business. General Managers overseeing daily operations must also devote full-time to the job. All key personnel must successfully complete the Initial Training Program and any other required training, meet the franchisor's standards, and cannot have an interest or business relationship with any of Poke Bowl United's competitors. The franchisor looks for individuals of good moral character who have sufficient business experience, aptitude, and financial resources.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Each Poke Bowl United franchise territory is defined on an individual basis, taking into account various demographic data such as minimum numbers of households, average home prices, household incomes, and local competition. Each territory is designed to have a population of approximately 50,000 people and will be detailed and attached to the franchisee's agreement.
Staffing Notes
Poke Bowl United does not require a franchisee to personally supervise the day-to-day operations of their outlet. If the franchisee is a business entity, they must designate an Operating Principal, who must hold at least a 10% equity interest in the franchisee entity, to be primarily responsible for the Franchised Business and exercise decision-making authority. If the franchisee is an individual, they must act as the Operating Principal. Franchisees may also appoint a General Manager to oversee daily operations, but the franchisee must remain active in overseeing the business. For multi-unit development, a General Manager is required for any Franchised Business not directly supervised by the developer. The Operating Principal and General Manager must successfully complete Poke Bowl United's Initial Training Program and all other required training courses, dedicate full-time to their roles, and must not have any interest or business relationship with competitors. All personnel, including the General Manager, who will have access to proprietary and confidential information must sign a Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement. Poke Bowl United provides standards for employee qualifications and training, and employees are expected to maintain a neat and clean appearance, provide competent and courteous service, and adhere to the dress code outlined in the Operations Manual. Poorly trained employees, sloppy appearance, or discourteous service are considered damaging to the brand.