GlobalData
2 min read
Fast-casual poke brand Pokeworks has announced a ten-unit franchise deal in the city of San Antonio, Texas, and the sell-out of available franchise territories in Houston.
Poke is a traditional dish from Hawaii made with diced raw fish, typically tuna, marinated in a sauce and served in a bowl. It is often served over rice or with other toppings.
Agustin Guzman, an experienced entrepreneur and former Olympic swimmer, is set to develop the greater San Antonio market and the Rio Grande Valley.
Guzman operates Pokeworks' McAllen location, is opening a second in Mission, Texas, and is committed to opening ten stores within two years. His extensive experience across various industries and belief in Pokeworks' performance and potential fuel this planned expansion.
"I've experienced success across varying industries, but what sets Pokeworks apart is their momentum - it's a high-performing brand that's constantly improving, innovating and growing," stated Guzman. "The brand's alignment with my values, alongside their strong unit economics and continued expansion, makes the decision to expand into San Antonio a clear one."
The brand's strategic growth is also evident in Houston, where all available franchise territories have been claimed.
The city's strong market performance and franchisees' continued investment underscore the brand's ability to succeed in competitive environments.
Pokeworks co-founder and chief development officer Peter Yang expressed pride in the brand's Texas achievements. "Texas has always remained a key market for our growth plans, and selling out its largest city while locking in a major development deal in San Antonio is an incredible accomplishment," he said.
"This is a true testament to our incredible franchisees, and a reflection of our continued commitment to support those in our franchise network and help them continue to grow and build within the brand. Seeing our recent performance, we look forward to seeing mirrored growth in other key Texas markets and across the nation."
The restaurant chain achieved 11% same-store sales growth in March 2025.
Founded in 2015, Pokeworks offers a range of flavours of Hawaiian poke. With a focus on customisable and healthy options, including vegan and gluten-free, the brand caters to diverse dietary needs and offers convenience for guests on the move.
Pokeworks operates 72 locations across 20 US states, Taiwan and Canada.
"Pokeworks announces ten-unit deal in San Antonio, Texas" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.
