Is
Pokemoto
a franchise?
Pokemoto, a distinctive franchise in the fast-casual dining sector, is renowned for its innovative take on Hawaiian Poké bowls. Founded by Thomas Nguyen in 2017 in New Haven, CT, the brand was born out of Nguyen's passion for traditional Hawaiian poké, which he discovered while living in Hawaii. He noticed a gap in the New England market for this unique dish, known for its fresh and flavorful seafood, and opened the first Pokemoto outlet across from Yale University. The gamble paid off, leading to the establishment of a successful franchise model that began in 2018.
Headquartered in League City, TX, Pokemoto stands out for its health-conscious menu that includes not only Poké bowls but also burritos, salads, and a variety of boba teas. The brand's focus on fresh, natural ingredients caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
What sets Pokemoto apart in the growing Poké market is its commitment to franchisee support, offering comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, marketing assistance, and potential for new product development. This level of franchisee support underscores Pokemoto's dedication to the success of each franchise location and its goal to become the leading Poké franchise.
How many
Pokemoto
franchises
are there?
What are the
Pokemoto
franchise
fees?
Initial Franchise Fee
The Initial Franchise Fee is $25,000, payable upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
Royalty Fee
The Royalty Fee is 6% of Gross Sales, payable weekly.
Brand Development Fee
The Brand Development Fee is 1% of the Shop's Gross Sales, payable in addition to the royalty fee.
Lease or Rent Fee
The Lease or Rent Fee ranges from $7,500 to $22,500 for 3 months, determined by the landlord before opening.
Transfer Fees
The Transfer Fee is $5,000, payable along with the request for approval of the transfer.
Renewal Fees
The Renewal Fee is 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, payable upon the renewal of the Franchise Agreement.
Management Fees
The Management Fee is 5% of Gross Sales, plus expenses, charged if the franchisor manages your Shop in certain circumstances.
Note: The fees presented here can be found in the Item 5 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. For a complete list of all the fees borne by the franchisee, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.
How much does
it cost
to start a
Pokemoto
franchise?
Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Does
Pokemoto
provide
training
to its
franchisees?
Pokemoto provides its franchisees with a comprehensive training program.The program includes:
Initial Training Program
Franchisees and their General Managers must attend and complete the franchisor's mandatory initial training program to the franchisor's satisfaction before opening their Shop. This program is conducted at designated locations, including affiliate Pokemoto Shops or other locations chosen by the franchisor. The initial training is scheduled based on the needs of new franchisees, the number of new Shops, and their opening dates, taking approximately two weeks to complete.
Refresher Training and Annual Meetings
The franchisor may provide refresher training programs and hold annual meetings for franchisees. These sessions are designed to update franchisees on new products, System changes, and operational improvements. Attendance at these programs and meetings may be mandatory for franchisees and their General Managers.
Additional On-Site Training
Upon request or as deemed appropriate by the franchisor, additional on-site training and assistance may be provided to franchisees' Shop personnel. Franchisees are responsible for the per diem fee and expenses of the franchisor's representatives providing this training.
Trainee Expenses
Franchisees must cover the expenses of their trainees attending the training programs, including travel, lodging, meals, and wages. This ensures that franchisees and their staff are adequately prepared for the successful operation of their Pokemoto Shop, with a comprehensive understanding of the franchisor's standards and procedures.
Does
Pokemoto
provides
territory
protection?
The franchisor does not offer any protected territory under the franchise agreement. The rights granted to franchisees pertain only to the establishment of a Shop at the accepted location, and franchisees acknowledge that the franchisor's affiliates may operate shops under different marks or with operating systems similar to the System, which could potentially compete with their Shop.
The license granted is specifically for the operation of one Shop at an approved location, without any territorial exclusivity or protection against competition from the franchisor or its affiliates.
Can a
Pokemoto
franchise
be run as
a passive
investment?
The Pokemoto franchise allows for some form of passive investment. However, while franchisees are not required to be involved in the daily operation of their Shop, it is recommended.
Specifically, when signing the Franchise Agreement, franchisees must designate and retain an individual acceptable to Pokemoto to serve as the "General Manager" who must devote full time and best efforts to supervise and manage the Shop. If the franchisee is an individual, it is recommended that they be the General Manager.
However, even if the franchisee does not actively involve themselves in daily operations, they must ensure that their Shop is operated according to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, the Manual, and Pokemoto's requirements and specifications. This suggests that while direct day-to-day involvement is not mandatory, franchisees have a responsibility to ensure their Shop's compliance and performance through appropriate management and oversight.
