Two franchise partners secured for Island Poké

Island Poké has signed up its first two UK franchise partners, creating a development pipeline of 23 sites over the next five years.

The rollout will treble the poké operator's existing UK footprint, adding to 42 sites already planned in France and Benelux over the same period.

The agreements have been announced following a recent investment from Hero Brands and will create in the region of 350 jobs.

The development plans will initially focus on London, with the first new Island to open in Camden Market on 17 May, however discussions are also underway with further partners, which have the potential for a further 50 Islands throughout the UK.

It is expected the brand will move into more residential areas, in-line with shifting consumer work behaviour.

“We’re so excited to be announcing our first two franchise partners for Island Poké," says Island Poké founder James Gould-Porter (pictured above).

“We are just beginning to ease-out the pandemic, which has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality sector, and these latest partnerships show amazing confidence in our brand.

“Hero Brands has given us key investment and expertise in growing our franchise model and it is also extremely pleasing to secure our first two partners so quickly after they have come on board with us."

“Hero Brands is responding to emerging consumer trends and focused on growing the brands of the future," adds Hero Brand’s chairman Athif Sarwar.

“Island Poké fits with our DNA and we are working with James and the team to bring our expertise and embark on our ambitions to create a truly global brand.

“The first two partnerships are the first steps in this journey and shows the huge potential of the concept and brand as we emerge from the pandemic.”


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