Island Poké to double estate by end of 2020 as it pushes on with international expansion

The Hawaiian-style grab-and-go brand, which is backed by the White Rabbit Fund and operates eight UK sites primarily in central London locations, is looking to open a total 42 new sites in the next five years with restaurants in Belgium and Luxembourg already planned for 2021.

Since June the group has opened three sites in France: in Paris, Montpellier and La Rochelle respectively. 

Further openings in the country planned for this year include another site in Paris, two in Lyon, and sites in Rennes and Nantes.

The group has previously said​​ that as part of its growth plans, it is hoping to eventually expand across the UK too.

“We’re thrilled to be continuing with our French rollout plans despite everything that’s happened to the industry over the past few months," says Island Poké founder James Porter.

"It really demonstrates the faith that our partners and customers have in our brand and offering.

"We’re encouraged by the first few weeks trade in Paris and look forward to bringing our unique Island vibes to the rest of France throughout the remainder of the year."

Porter, a former Bonhams auctioneer, launched Island Poké back in 2015.

Initially operating as a street food stall, the brand secured the backing of restaurant incubator White Rabbit Fund in 2016 and subsequently went on to open its first bricks and mortar site on Kingly Street in Soho later that year.

It went on to establish locations in Broadgate Circle and Canary Wharf in 2017, and from there added a further five sites to its portfolio in 2018 and 2019.

Island Poké is considered to be one of the trailblazers for bringing Pacific Island-Asian fusion food to the capital, alongside other London-based brands Ahi Poké and Honi Poké