The brand’s first U.K. store is set to open in Camden, London on May 17.
Island Poké has signed up its first two U.K. franchise partners, which are set to bring a total of 23 locations to the country over the next five years; trebling the brand’s current U.K. footprint.
This European development comes alongside Island Poké’s 42 planned sites for France and Benelux, which are set to open across the same five-year period.
Back in March of this year, Island Poké announced that it had secured investment from Hero Brands – the parent company of concepts such as German Doner Kebab – to propel its international growth.
“We’re so excited to be announcing our first two franchise partners for Island Poké,” said founder James Gould-Porter. “We are just beginning to ease out the pandemic which has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality sector and these latest partnerships show amazing confidence in our brand.
“Hero Brands has given us key investment and expertise in growing our franchise model and it is also extremely pleasing to secure our first two partners so quickly after they have come on board with us.”
Development plans for the U.K. will initially focus on London, with the first site set to open in Camden Market on May 17. Discussions are already underway to bolster the brand’s Blighty footprint, with the potential for 50 further stores down the line.
“Hero Brands is responding to emerging consumer trends and focused on growing the brands of the future,” said Hero Brands’ chairman, Athif Sarwar. “Island Poké fits with our DNA and we are working with James and the team to bring our expertise and embark on our ambitions to create a truly global brand.”
