Pokeworks Scales Up in Long Island and Manhattan
HOSPITALITY
Pokeworks Astoria, NY.
As the demand for health-conscious, fast-casual dining reaches a fever pitch in 2026, the nation’s leading poke brand is doubling down on its New York presence. Today, Pokeworks announced a major strategic expansion, signing two new franchise partners to develop four initial locations across Long Island and Manhattan.
The move follows a record-breaking 2025 for the brand and reinforces its position as the fastest-growing poke concept in the world.
Experienced Leadership in the Driver’s Seat
Pokeworks' growth in New York is fueled by a pair of seasoned operators who understand the nuances of the local market.
Long Island Expansion: Joe Magnotta, a 45-year Long Island resident and veteran of the food and beverage industry, is leading the charge. After owning and operating a portfolio of 10 restaurants over two decades, Magnotta is making Pokeworks his first franchise venture. His first location is slated to open in mid-2026.
Manhattan Growth: In the heart of the city, Sanchit Sharma is bringing a wealth of experience in retail management and supply chain operations. Targeting high-density office corridors in Midtown Manhattan, Sharma plans to open his first restaurant by late summer 2026, with two more scheduled to follow.
“Joe and Sanchit represent exactly the kind of franchise partners we seek,” said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development. “They bring strong leadership and long-term mindsets.”
The "Poke Your Way" Advantage
Since its founding in 2015, Pokeworks has built a cult following around its Poke Your Way® philosophy, which offers more than 50,000 ways to customize an order. This approach allows the brand to cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free diets, while maintaining the grab-and-go efficiency required by New York’s fast-paced lifestyle.
The brand currently operates seven successful locations in NYC and 72 locations globally across 20 states, Taiwan, and Canada.
A Market Shift Toward Nutrient-Density
The expansion comes at a time when Manhattan and Long Island consumers are moving away from traditional fast food in favor of protein-forward, nutrient-dense meals. Sanchit Sharma noted that there is a "clear and growing shift" toward these options, and Pokeworks is "exceptionally well-positioned" to capture that movement in Midtown.
Scaling with Market Intelligence
For franchise brands in 2026, the key to scaling isn't just adding units, it’s adding the right operators. Pokeworks’ decision to partner with a 20-year local veteran on Long Island and a supply-chain expert in Manhattan shows a sophisticated approach to site selection and operational resilience. By prioritizing local market intelligence and high office density, Pokeworks is ensuring that its "fresh" brand remains a staple of the New York work-day ritual. In the Health-First Economy, the winner is the brand that makes "better for you" the easiest choice on the block.