Pokeworks Accelerates Growth Across Greater Boston with New Openings and Strong Community Momentum

A Pokeworks location in Cambridge opened in February, and a Somerville location was reopened.

“Boston is a fantastic place with a unique liveliness and resilience, and that really shapes how people approach their daily lives, including how they eat,” said Cong. “It’s one of the oldest cities in the country, but also incredibly forward-thinking, with a strong focus on healthy living. Pokeworks fits naturally into that mindset, and we’re excited to expand into more neighborhoods and bring an accessible, sustainably sourced, and great-tasting option to the community.”

Kandel’s path to ownership reflects a full-circle moment for the brand, having started as Pokeworks’ first-ever employee in 2015 before rising to Senior Operations Manager and now serving as a multi-unit franchisee. Combined with Cong’s experience operating and scaling multiple Pokeworks locations in other markets, the duo is focused on disciplined, community-driven growth across the Boston market.

“As local owners, we take a lot of pride in building something meaningful within the communities we’re part of, and that really shapes how we approach each new location,” said Kandel. “Having been with Pokeworks since the very beginning, it’s incredibly rewarding to now be growing the brand in a city like Boston, where there is such a strong appreciation for quality, consistency, and a great overall dining experience.”

Early results in Cambridge have shown catering orders and repeat business. This performance reflects relevance among individual guests and corporate clients. The group focuses on building density in the Boston metro with ongoing support from Pokeworks’ corporate team guiding development and operations.

“Rong and Lelin exemplify the kind of long-term commitment we value in our franchise system,” said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development of Pokeworks. “Both have deep roots with the brand, bringing years of experience and a strong understanding of our operations, which allows them to grow thoughtfully while staying true to the communities they serve.”

Pokeworks was founded in 2015 with the mission of sharing poke—the crisp, fresh, healthy Hawaiian favorite. The Poke Your Way approach lets guests tailor orders to various diets, including vegan and gluten-free, while offering convenient grab-and-go options for guests on the go. The Poke Burrito is a menu item, along with sauces ranging from sweet and spicy to savory. Pokeworks believes in sustainable sourcing and meals made from high-quality ingredients.