---
title: "Island Fin Poké to Open First Illinois Location"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/b4675229-51e7-44ca-ae10-1d6243d34727
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20210706_island_fin_pok_to_open_first_illinois_location.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2021-07-06T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:28:05.139Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568901346375-23c9450c58cd?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Island Fin Poké to Open First Illinois Location

**TL;DR:** Island Fin Poké is opening its first Illinois location in Downers Grove, offering build-your-own poké bowls and healthy menu options. The new restaurant will be owned by Tom Browning, a former advertising professional who was attracted to the brand's unique concept and business model.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2021-07-06. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20210706_island_fin_pok_to_open_first_illinois_location.html).*

## Story

With the restaurant opening slated for mid-July, the new Island Fin Poké will serve healthful poké (pronounced “poh-kay”), which is like sushi in a bowl. Guests can choose from responsibly sourced ingredients and create their own customized poké bowl, choosing from over eight proteins, 25 different toppings, gluten-free house-made sauces and specialty mix-ins. The endless possibilities allow guests to get creative and try something new every visit. The restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating, 3rd party delivery and carryout options.

A former advertising professional with over 30 years of experience working with some of the largest brands in the franchising industry worldwide, Tom Browning was attracted to the idea of bringing a unique restaurant concept to his home community. Island Fin Poké was the perfect fit, with the simplicity of its business model and the variety of one-of-a-kind flavors it offers its guests.

“We are thrilled to open the first Island Fin Poké restaurant in Illinois and bring this wonderful concept home to Downers Grove,” said Tom Browning. “We hope to become a local favorite and provide fresh, delicious meals with excellent service to our guests.”

Browning says he’s also looking forward to partnering with local charitable organizations to make a positive impact in the community.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- location opening (topic)
- Illinois (location)
- menu options (topic)
- Island Fin Poké Co. (company)
- Downers Grove (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20210706_island_fin_pok_to_open_first_illinois_location.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/b4675229-51e7-44ca-ae10-1d6243d34727).