ALOHA POKE CO.

Item 7 of the 2025 FDD outlines a wide initial investment range of $140,900 to $475,930, driven by build-out costs in high-traffic spots ideal for quick-service poke. The $35,000 franchise fee is standard for fast casual, but ongoing fees stack up with 5% royalty, 1% brand fund, and a $300 monthly technology fee (capped at $500), totaling around 7% of sales plus fixed costs—higher than some peers without the tech add-on. Item 19 delivers solid disclosure: average gross revenue hits $323,756 across units, with median at $301,614, translating to estimated owner profits of $38,488 to $70,864 after expenses. For a small system, these figures suggest strong unit economics if you hit average sales, but variability warns of location risks in a competitive salad/poke market.

System health shows promise amid contraction in broader fast casual: franchised locations grew from 3 in 2023 to 5 in 2024 (+67%), with 4 new units projected, backed by 12 corporate outposts proving brand viability. Five SBA loans averaging $306,040 indicate franchisor support for expansion, though low volume means limited default data—watch for early-stage risks like supply chain hiccups on fresh fish. Investors with restaurant ops experience could thrive here, as the model's fresh, customizable appeal targets millennials, but the corporate-heavy footprint raises questions on franchisor commitment to scaling independents. Key factor: validate local demand before committing, given the revenue upside in untapped poke markets.