Pokemoto: Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Locations

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): Not disclosed

Pokémoto is a Hawaiian-inspired poké franchise that offers bowls, salads and wraps as well as sides and bubble tea. The brand was launched in 2017 when Founder Thomas Nguyen identified a gap in the market.

While New England is known for seafood, Nguyen struggled to find Hawaiian-inspired poké meals after moving from Hawaii to Connecticut. With this, Pokémoto was born. The first Pokémoto location opened near Yale University, and the franchise has been quickly growing ever since, bringing its unique offering to markets nationwide.

There are 36 Pokémoto locations currently operating and dozens more in development. Pokémoto’s presence is concentrated in the northeast, but it is moving south and growing in the midwest.

The brand positions itself as “Millennial and Gen Z approved,” noting a steady, reliable customer base. As Pokémoto expands its presence, an already-developed customer base awaits its arrival.

Pokémoto leverages a build-your-own model to deliver the perfect, customized poké bowl, salad or wrap to each guest. Because Pokémoto appeals to a range of guests, franchisees can establish locations in multiple types of markets, including urban, suburban and college towns.

A Pokémoto restaurant can be operated in a 1,000 to 2,000 square-foot space, so both the initial investment and ongoing costs are lower than some standard restaurant franchises.

Earnings for Pokémoto franchise owners are not publicly available.

The total initial investment required to open a Pokémoto franchise is $162,500 - $337,400. This includes:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000 - $25,000

• Real Estate (3 Months): $7,500 - $22,500

• Security Deposits: $3,000 - $8,500

• Lease Improvements: $75,000 - $175,000

• Equipment, Furniture and Signs: $35,000 - $50,000

• Point of Sale, Computer Systems: $1,200 - $2,400

• Video Surveillance System: $1,000 - $4,000

• Insurance: $1,000 - $2,400

• Permits and Licenses: $300 - $600

• Initial Inventory: $5,000 - $10,000

• Travel Expenses for Training: $2,500 - $4,500

• Professional Fees: $500 - $5,000

• Additional Funds: $5,000 - $10,000

The initial franchise fee for Pokémoto ranges from $10,000 to $25,000.

• Mike Roper — Chief Executive Officer

• Kenn Miller — Chief Operating Officer

• Aimee Infante — Chief Marketing Officer

• Kevin Mohan — Chief Investment Officer

• Jennifer Black — Chief Financial Officer

• Thomas Nguyen — Senior Vice President, Operations

• Rod Silva — Senior Vice President, Brand Development

• Brittany Stoffere — Marketing Director

• Mike Spavelko — Vice President, Sales and Development

• Megan Sanders — Director of Accounting

• Miguel Cintron — District Sales Manager

• Scott Reaves — Franchise Sales Manager

• Doug Waterbury — Director of Operations

• Meghan McGuire — Digital Marketing Specialist

• Pokemoto to Open Location in Houston

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• Pokemoto crosses milestone of 50 franchise agreements signed

• Foodie Friday: Pokemoto

• What to expect at Pokemoto: Hawaiian Poke

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