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Orlando-based fast casual chain Island Fin Pok announced a plan to open 20 new locations over the next few years. One location is open currently in Wesley Chapel with new locations in Sarasota and Tampa Bay expected to open in 2021.

According to a press release, the announcement is a response to a new partnership between Island Fin Poke and Matthew McNulty, Managing Partner of Pelagic Hospitality Group. McNulty will be the area representative helping expand Island Fin Pok in West Florida. Pelagic Hospitality Group is responsible for the upcoming Island Fin Pok restaurants in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties.

As a St. Petersburg native, I am so excited to help Island Fin Poke grow in the area. I think that poke is such an underserved segment in the quick-service restaurant market; its a unique menu with plenty of healthy and fresh options, said McNulty in the release. The people here will definitely enjoy what Island Fin Poke has to offer.

Island Fin Pok provides guests with boat-to-bowl, locally- and responsibly-sourced ingredients to customize the perfect bowl with endless possibilities. Co-founder Mark Settington hopes to give customers a bit of Hawaii in each meal.

Having a business partner like Mark who embodies these principles and does everything to make sure that each guest has a warm and interactive experience is so important. When you walk through the doors of an Island Fin Poke, you can expect to be welcomed right into the ohana, McNulty adds.

There are 10 locations in five states and 30 locations across the country in varying development stages. Of the 20 new locations coming soon, nine have commitments from local franchisees. Other operating locations proved successful even during COVID-19 by pivoting and staying current on local rules and regulations for staff and customer safety.

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Originally posted here:

Island Fin Pok will open a new Tampa Bay location in 2021 - Creative Loafing Tampa