Koibito Poke adds second regional developer in Phoenix

Koibito Poke has signed its second regional developer, awarding a 10-unit territory in Northeast Phoenix to a local couple already familiar with the brand. The move expands the Arizona-based poke chain’s franchise growth model and gives the company another foothold in a core market.

Why it matters: - Koibito Poke is using a regional developer model to expand faster in markets where the brand already has traction. - The new deal gives the chain a local operator who can open a flagship store and recruit additional franchisees in the territory. - The move adds another layer to Koibito Poke’s franchise strategy as it grows beyond single-unit stores.

What happened: - Koibito Poke signed its second regional developer and awarded a 10-unit region in Northeast Phoenix. - The territory runs from North Scottsdale to Queen Creek. - The first location in the territory has already been identified for development. - The new regional developers are a local couple and longtime Koibito Poke customers.

The details: - Koibito Poke said the first 10 regional developers will join its “Circle of Champions.” - Those developers will receive special incentives, expanded territories and direct access to the management team. - The regional developers will also serve as the company’s franchise advisory council. - Regional developers acquire a territory with a population of 1 million or more. - They open, own and operate a flagship location in the territory. - They also recruit franchisees and provide onsite and ongoing support for stores in their region. - Dr. Ben Litalien, chief development officer, said the new territory will accelerate growth in the greater Phoenix market. - Todd Stottlemyre, co-founder and CEO, said the couple understands the brand and its mission to provide better food options. - Koibito Poke operates in Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi. - The company has 10 locations. - Koibito Poke was founded in 2018. - The concept focuses on fresh build-your-own poké bowls with healthy ingredients and authentic flavors. - The franchise system includes a proprietary mobile-enabled reporting and management platform, an intensive training academy and a turnkey marketing program. - Stores typically use a footprint of 1,200 square feet or less. - Koibito Poke locations use a small staff and do not require fryers, grills or ovens.

Between the lines: - The Phoenix market appears to be a priority because the brand already has a strong reputation there. - The regional developer structure can lower the capital burden of market expansion compared with the area developer model. - Koibito Poke is leaning on established operators to extend both development and local support without building a larger corporate field team first.

What's next: - The local couple is expected to open the initial location and begin recruiting new franchisees in the Northeast Phoenix region. - Koibito Poke plans to continue expanding through both regional developers and single-unit franchises. - The company is positioning the regional developer program as a national growth engine.

The bottom line: - Koibito Poke is turning a familiar customer into a growth partner, and that could help the brand scale faster in one of its strongest markets.