Pokemoto Plans New Restaurants In CT, Including 1 In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Pokemoto, a chain of Hawaiian poke bowl eateries with 10 Connecticut locations, is planning to open four new restaurants in the state, including one in North Haven, owners announced.

In addition to the North Haven spot, the company is planning new locations in Milford, Danbury and Shelton, according to parent company Muscle Maker, Inc.

"Our franchising team has been working tirelessly to keep the momentum going with new deals and prospective franchisee outreach as we head into the new year," said Mike Roper, CEO of Muscle Maker, Inc., in a statement. "Our goal is to be the largest Hawaiian Poke company in the $1.2B Poke market space and we think the latest signings are examples of how we are making progress against this strategy."

The other locations in Connecticut are in Fairfield, Groton, Hamden, Middletown, two in New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, Wallingford and West Hartford.

Pokemoto has locations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia, besides Connecticut, and it is expanding into New York and Mississippi, having recently signed more than two-dozen franchisees to bring the chain's footprint to 44 locations in the coming months. The company is also opening new, corporate-owned locations in Florida.

According to its announcement, Pokemoto "offers up chef-driven contemporary flavors with fresh delectable and healthy ingredients such as Atlantic salmon, Ahi tuna, fresh mango, roasted cashews and black caviar tobiko that appeals to foodies, health enthusiasts, and sushi-lovers everywhere.

"Guests can choose from a list of signature bowls or be bold and build their own unique combination of a base, protein and various toppings and nine different sauces. Vegetarian options are available, and the bowl combinations are virtually limitless. The colorful dishes and modern chic dining rooms provide an uplifting dining experience for guests of all ages. Customers can dine in-store or order online via third party delivery apps for contactless delivery."