Island Poké secures investment to accelerate future growth
The group plans to open at least five new locations by the end of 2021, as it sets its sights on becoming the go-to poké brand domestically and abroad.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, Island Poké managed to more than double its estate last year, with four new dark kitchen sites launched in the UK and five outlets opened in France.
A further 40 sites are planned to launch in France alone over the next five years as part of an international expansion drive that is also expected to see the group target openings in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Recently appointed business development director Nick Schapira, former international executive of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, will oversee the expansion, with Island Poké also looking to lean on Hero Brand’s expertise and operational infrastructure to help it grow.
The investment will see Hero Brands join the board alongside early investor Chris Miller of White Rabbit Fund and founder James Gould-Porter.
“We’re so excited to be bringing Hero Brands on board and the experience that they’ll bring to the table," says Gould-Porter.
"We’ve been working closely together and feel that our businesses are a great fit for each other. We’ve seen what they’ve done with other concepts within their portfolio and look forward to growing together”.
Last month Gould-Porter confirmed to BigHospitality's sister site MCA that Island Poké has more UK launches coming soon, including a bricks-and-mortar opening set for the spring.
“Island Poké fits with our DNA and is a fantastic concept that is already proving to be a huge hit with consumers across London and France," says Athif Sarwar, chairman of Hero Brands.
“We are now very much looking forward to working with James and the team to bring our expertise and embark on our ambitions to create a truly global brand.”
Island Poké is considered to be one of the trailblazers for bringing Pacific Island-Asian fusion food to the capital and was founded by Gould-Porter, a former Bonhams auctioneer, back in 2015.
