Franchise specializes in Asian rice and salad bowls
Rancho Del Mar shopping center in Aptos is celebrating the opening of a new restaurant.
Poki Bowl, which originated in San Jose, offers an extensive menu of Asian rice and salad bowls, with a plethora of raw fish toppings and other add-ons.
Derek Jorge and his soon-to-be father-in-law Gerry Hashimoto joined forces to open the Aptos location. The pair was inspired when they attended a franchising event for the restaurant.
“It was a big decision, but we’re so glad we went for it,” said Jorge.
Poki Bowl has numerous locations around the Bay Area and Florida, with more in the works in New York and New Jersey. Jorge described the influx of new franchises as “a leg race.”
“Sushi has gained more traction in recent years,” he said. “But it can be expensive. I like [Poki Bowl] because is a great way to share this cuisine with the public but at a much cheaper rate.”
Jorge was a sushi chef for a few years and says he is eager to put his skills to use for the new business. In addition to the bowls, the restaurant offers Hawaiian chips, drinks and ice cream.
Jorge’s favorite thing on the menu? Anything with salmon, he said.
“I’m kind of a health nut,” he said. “I like [salmon] with brown rice… and there are so many good sauces… I guess I have lots of favorites.”
Jorge’s finance, Rachel Hashimoto, has been helping her father and Jorge open the location.
“I grew up in a Japanese-American household,” she said. “For me, opening this place feels like bringing things home. It has already become a home away from home for me.”
Jorge and the Hashimoto family have been working hard for the past weeks, preparing for final inspections and any last-minute changes. Jorge admits it was stressful at times. For a while, he was unsure if there’d be much seating.
“It’s been an entirely new process for us,” Jorge said. “But it worked out. We have a lot of tables, and yet it still feels open… it’s a nice environment.”
Added Rachel Hashimoto: “We are excited that things are coming together. When we first started, this building was just a shell—now it really looks like a Poki Bowl.”
Poki Bowl Aptos officially opened today.
“We want people to rethink Asian cuisine,” Jorge said. “To experience this great food without the high cost.”
For a full menu and more information visit pokibowl.com.
