Poki Bowl Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Poki Bowl was established in 2015 in San Jose, California, with the goal of introducing the bold, refreshing flavors of Hawaiian poke to the mainland, enhanced by Asian-inspired touches.
Its very first restaurant opened on Almaden Expressway, quickly attracting a loyal customer base—many of whom traveled long distances just to enjoy its fresh and customizable poke creations.
By 2017, the brand launched its franchising program, leveraging a streamlined business model built for efficiency.
At the heart of the brand is its customizable menu. Guests can build their own poke bowls by selecting from different bases, proteins, toppings, and signature sauces, ensuring every meal is both delicious and health-conscious.
With its headquarters at 81 Curtner Avenue in San Jose, California, the franchise continues to expand its presence across the United States.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Poki Bowl franchise? It costs on average between $188,000 – $423,000 to start a Poki Bowl franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total amount will vary depending on factors like the restaurant’s size, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $4,000 – $18,000 |
| Real Estate Lease (3 months) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $60,000 – $210,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Signage | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Licenses and Permits | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $12,000 |
| Travel Expenses While Training | $500 – $3,000 |
| Grand Opening Expenses | $3,000 |
| Accountant and Legal Fees | $750 – $1,500 |
| Additional Funds | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Total | $187,750 – $423,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Poki Bowl franchise? A Poki Bowl franchised restaurant makes on average $429,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Poki Bowl locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Poki Bowl operates a total of 17 locations, with 3 directly owned by the company and 14 run by franchisees.
What is the total investment required to open a Poki Bowl franchise?
The total investment required to open a Poki Bowl franchise ranges from $188,000 to $423,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Poki Bowl franchise?
Franchisees of Poki Bowl are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 5.5% of gross sales, which grants them continued use of the brand name, systems, and operational support. In addition, there is a marketing and advertising fee of up to 1% of gross sales, which goes toward system-wide promotional campaigns and brand awareness initiatives.
What are the financial requirements to become a Poki Bowl franchisee?
To qualify for a Poki Bowl franchise, prospective franchisees must have a minimum liquid capital of around $100,000 and a net worth of at least $250,000. These financial requirements ensure that franchise owners have the necessary resources to cover startup costs and support ongoing operations.
How much can a Poki Bowl franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Poki Bowl franchise are approximately $0.43 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.43 million yearly revenue can result in $65,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Poki Bowl?
The Poki Bowl franchise is owned by its founders, Andy Nguyen and Nghia Nguyen, who started the brand in San Jose, California.
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