Franchising
Photo: Pokeworks
July 7, 2026
Pokeworks is ramping up its Texas expansion, having sold out franchise availability across nearly every major market in the state.
The Irvine-based brand operates 26 locations across Texas under 11 franchise groups. An additional six restaurants are under construction across Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso, following a June opening in The Woodlands market near Houston.
“What’s happening in Texas is exactly the kind of growth we aim for as a brand,” Peter Yang, co-founder and head of development for Pokeworks, said in a company press release. “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.”
The Texas push is part of a broader nationwide expansion for Pokeworks, which currently has 14 stores in various stages of development across Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado and New York.
Company officials cited Texas’ population growth, strong business climate, and a rising consumer appetite for customizable, health-focused concepts as primary drivers for the expansion. The market’s strong performance has led to a high rate of multi-unit ownership, with roughly 90% of Pokeworks’ Texas franchisees developing multiple locations.
With most major Texas territories claimed, Pokeworks is focusing its remaining state recruitment efforts on the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The brand is also actively scouting real estate in Austin, Dallas and Houston, targeting both traditional inline spaces and non-traditional venues such as airports, universities and corporate campuses.
Founded in 2015, Pokeworks has grown to more than 80 locations across 22 states, Taiwan and Canada. The brand features a customizable “Poke Your Way” menu spanning bowls, salads, and its signature poke burritos.
