---
title: "Former Systems Engineer Signs ADA to Open Pokeworks’ First Napa Location"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/da422fd7-8a6e-4795-8955-a4968ce23349
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20231206_former_systems_engineer_signs_ada_to_openpokeworks_first_napa_location.html
category: "Fast casual"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Fast casual"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2023-12-06T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T20:02:29.653Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554469384-e58fac16e23a?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Former Systems Engineer Signs ADA to Open Pokeworks’ First Napa Location

**TL;DR:** Deanne Austin, a former systems engineer, has signed an Area Development Agreement to open three Pokeworks locations in the North Bay Area. Austin, a Napa resident and first-time franchisee, was drawn to Pokeworks' commitment to supporting a healthy lifestyle.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-12-06. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20231206_former_systems_engineer_signs_ada_to_openpokeworks_first_napa_location.html).*

## Story

A systems engineer looks at organizational systems and identifies ways to be more efficient. So it makes sense that Deanne Austin, a recently retired systems engineer, would look to become a Pokeworks franchise owner, to combine her organizational skills and her entrepreneurial spirit.

Austin, a Napa, Calif. resident, has been a self-proclaimed Pokeworks fan for many years, having first visited the Coeur D’alene location and igniting a friendship with the local franchisees. Now, the first-time franchisee has signed an Area Development Agreement (ADA) to open three Pokeworks locations in the North Bay Area.

“Pokeworks’ commitment to supporting a healthy lifestyle really struck a chord with me, aligning with my personal ideology,” said Austin.

Austin notes that her experience in service and project management will translate smoothly to owning three Pokeworks restaurants. “Being a successful restaurateur requires you to be flexible, willing to learn and able to lead and delegate – all while managing multiple tasks at the same time. I’m excited to start the entrepreneurial phase of my career with Pokeworks!”

Pokeworks is dedicated to meeting the growing demand for high-quality, premium fast-casual cuisine.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- franchise expansion (topic)
- new location (topic)
- Multi-Unit (sector)
- Pokeworks (company)
- area development agreement (topic)
- Napa (location)
- Deanne Austin (person)
- fast casual cuisine (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20231206_former_systems_engineer_signs_ada_to_openpokeworks_first_napa_location.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/da422fd7-8a6e-4795-8955-a4968ce23349).