A fast-growing poke concept is casting a wider net across Colorado.
Pokeworks has signed a two-unit development deal to bring its customizable, health-forward menu to Boulder, marking the brand’s official entry into the market. The first location, led by new franchisees Bidosh Acharya and Amita Khanal, is anticipated to open in Q4 2026, with a second Boulder outpost to follow.
“Colorado continues to be an exciting growth market for Pokeworks, and expanding into Boulder is a natural next step as we build on our presence in Denver,” said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development at Pokeworks. “Bidosh and Amita are fantastic partners, and we’re excited to work with them to introduce Pokeworks to the Boulder community.”
The move builds on Pokeworks’ existing presence in the Denver metro area, where franchisees Tich Nguyen and Thi Tran launched a location in Greenwood Village in 2023. Following strong early performance, the pair is now actively scouting sites for two additional locations across the region, though timelines remain dependent on real estate availability.
For Acharya and Khanal, Boulder feels like a natural fit. “What excites us most about expanding Pokeworks in the Boulder market is how naturally the concept fits the community,” they told What Now Denver. “Boulder has a strong culture around healthy eating, active lifestyles, and fresh ingredients, which aligns perfectly with what Pokeworks offers.”
The franchisees also pointed to the brand’s build-your-own model as a key draw for a market that values both quality and flexibility. “The ability to build a meal that is fresh, customizable, and balanced resonates with people here,” they noted. “Pokeworks brings something unique while still fitting into the fast-casual dining habits that are already popular in the area. That combination of health, convenience, and flavor makes the concept especially exciting for this market.”
Meanwhile in Denver, Nguyen and Tran say their expansion plans are fueled by the response to their first location. “We’ve been incredibly blessed by the success of our Greenwood Village location, where we’ve seen strong support from guests who are looking for fresh, healthy, and convenient meal options,” they said. “The response has reinforced what we believed from the beginning: there is a real appetite in the Denver area for the Pokeworks experience and for high-quality, customizable food.”
As they look to grow, the focus remains on replicating what’s already working. “Our goal is to bring the same level of quality, hospitality, and community connection that has made our Greenwood Village location such a success, while creating new opportunities to serve even more neighborhoods throughout the region,” they explained.
Founded in 2015, Pokeworks has built its reputation on responsibly sourced seafood and a highly customizable menu designed to accommodate a range of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Stay tuned for updates as the brand finalizes sites and moves closer to its Boulder debut and continued expansion across the Denver metro.
