IRVINE, Calif. — Pokeworks, the fast-casual brand credited with popularizing the poke bowl trend across North America, is aggressively expanding its footprint in the Empire State. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the company announced franchise agreements for four new locations across Long Island and Manhattan, solidifying its presence in one of its most critical markets.
The expansion creates a bridge between the suburbs and the city, led by two new franchise partners who aim to capitalize on the region’s demand for healthy, customizable fast food.
The New Operators
The growth strategy is divided between two experienced operators with distinct territories:
- Long Island: Industry veteran Joe Magnotta has signed on to develop the brand’s presence in the suburbs. Magnotta brings over two decades of experience, having previously owned and operated 10 restaurants under the Angelina’s concept. His first Pokeworks location is targeted to open in mid-2026.
“The brand checks every box for me: quality, efficiency, support, and long-term growth potential,” said Magnotta.
- Manhattan:Sanchit Sharma, a business leader with a background in retail supply chain and QSR operations, will focus on high-density urban zones. He plans to open three units, starting with a Midtown Manhattan location slated for late summer 2026. His focus is on areas with heavy office foot traffic.
“There’s a clear and growing shift toward healthier, nutrient-dense food options, and Pokeworks is exceptionally well-positioned within that movement,” said Sharma.
What’s New
While securing premium, high-visibility real estate is the critical first step to conquering the dense New York market, surviving in these fast-paced urban centers requires a menu explicitly built for speed and extreme portability. To ensure their new Manhattan and borough locations can efficiently process massive waves of on-the-go commuters, the brand is simultaneously overhauling its product architecture. Perfectly timed to support this urban expansion, Pokeworks recently introduced Poke Bombs, a highly portable, grab-and-go format designed to turn traditional poke into a frictionless, handheld snack. For QSR operators and restaurant investors, this synchronized approach—pairing aggressive, high-foot-traffic real estate development with the exact culinary R&D needed to serve that specific demographic—is the ultimate 2026 playbook for successful urban scaling.
Big Apple Dominance
This move builds upon Pokeworks’ existing network of seven successful locations in New York City. By securing experienced operators like Magnotta and Sharma, the brand is signaling a shift from rapid, unchecked growth to a more calculated expansion focused on franchisee pedigree and market fit.
Peter Yang, Co-Founder of Pokeworks, emphasized this approach:
“They bring strong leadership and long-term mindsets, and we’re excited to continue expanding our presence with experienced operators in New York.”
For more updates on franchise expansions and fast-casual trends, visit Source86.
