The largest and fastest-growing fast-casual poke bowl franchise is expanding further across Greater Boston.
Following a seven-unit development agreement signed in 2024, Pokeworks franchise partners Rong Cong and Lelin Kandel are accelerating expansion with several restaurants currently in the works throughout the region. According to a press release, the duo has secured two upcoming storefronts and is actively pursuing several additional sites.
“Rong and Lelin exemplify the kind of long-term commitment we value in our franchise system,” said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development at Pokeworks. “Both have deep roots with the brand, bringing years of experience and a strong understanding of our operations, which allows them to grow thoughtfully while staying true to the communities they serve.”
The franchise partners are on track to open a new restaurant at the Burlington Marketplace in Q2 of 2026, located at 68-82 Burlington Mall Rd. Another Hanover outpost situated at 1775 Washington St, Unit 610 in Hanover Crossing is scheduled to open this summer.
Currently, Pokeworks operates local outposts in Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown’s Arsenal Yards, and Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. As momentum builds, Cong and Kandel are actively scouting additional real estate in neighborhoods such as Wellesley, Jamaica Plain, Fenway-Kenmore, the Seaport District, Brighton-Allston, and Woburn.
“Boston is a fantastic place with a unique liveliness and resilience, and that really shapes how people approach their daily lives, including how they eat,” said Cong. “It’s one of the oldest cities in the country, but also incredibly forward-thinking, with a strong focus on healthy living. Pokeworks fits naturally into that mindset, and we’re excited to expand into more neighborhoods and bring an accessible, sustainably sourced, and great-tasting option to the community.”
Kandel, who began as Pokeworks’ first-ever employee before rising to Senior Operations Manager and later becoming a multi-unit franchise owner, said the expansion feels especially meaningful in Boston.
“As local owners, we take a lot of pride in building something meaningful within the communities we’re part of, and that really shapes how we approach each new location,” he explained. “Having been with Pokeworks since the very beginning, it’s incredibly rewarding to now be growing the brand in a city like Boston, where there is such a strong appreciation for quality, consistency, and a great overall dining experience.”
Founded in 2015, Pokeworks was created by a group of friends with a shared love for Hawaiian poke. Recognizing a gap for the dish on the mainland, they set out to bring fresh, customizable bowls with a focus on quality ingredients and accessibility. Their approach allows guests to build their own bowls, burritos, or salads tailored to dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
