Fast-casual poke brand Pokeworks is strengthening its presence in Texas as it accelerates expansion across the state and nationwide.

The move comes amid the brand’s ongoing development of 14 stores spanning Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas and New York.

Texas has become a key growth market for Pokeworks, driven by its strong business environment, steady population growth and rising demand for fresh, healthy, and customizable meals. Having sold out franchise availabilities across nearly every major market in the state, Pokeworks currently operates 26 locations and has 11 franchisees, with six more stores under construction in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso.

The chain is now targeting the Dallas–Fort Worth metro for its next phase of growth. Its flexible footprint could bring the restaurant into both traditional and non-traditional environments.

This June, the brand opened its latest location in The Woodlands, Houston, and is seeking additional real estate opportunities for further investments.

The state’s performance has also prompted about 90 per cent of Pokeworks’ Texas franchisees to pursue multi-unit development, reflecting confidence in the brand’s long-term prospects.

“What’s happening in Texas is exactly the kind of growth we aim for as a brand,” said Peter Yang, co-founder and head of development at Pokeworks. He noted that the chain has been building momentum with strong franchise partners, strategic market development and a model that fits a range of locations.

“The fact that nearly every major Texas market is already spoken for, and our franchisees continue to sign on for more units, shows the level of confidence operators have in Pokeworks and where the brand is headed.”

Founded in 2015, Pokeworks was born from a passion for Hawaiian poke, with a mission to serve its authentic flavors through customizable poke bowls, burritos and salads under its signature ‘Poke Your Way’ approach.

• Further reading: Donatos Pizza signs more Texas franchisors as it aims for 100 sites.