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Pokeworks, with more than 70 locations from Queens to California, is planning to expand on Long Island through a new franchise partnership with veteran restaurant operator Joe Magnotta, with the first location targeted to open in mid-2026.
Magnotta brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry and is well known across Long Island for owning and operating multiple restaurants, including Angelina’s, Marsala, and Basilico’s.
Over a 20-year span, he operated a total of 10 restaurants across the Island before selling his portfolio in 2023.
“I’ve spent 45 years on Long Island and understand the market extremely well, so I know Pokeworks will be a perfect fit here,” Magnotta said in a press announcement.
He plans to develop multiple Pokeworks locations locally, marking his first franchise venture.
The exact locations have not yet been revealed.
Founded in New York City in 2015, Pokeworks was created by a group of friends inspired by authentic Hawaiian poke and a lack of similar fast-casual options on the mainland, the announcement reads.
The brand has since grown steadily in health-conscious markets across the country.
For the uninitiated, Pokeworks specializes in customizable Hawaiian-style poke bowls, along with poke burritos and salads, allowing customers to build meals around fresh fish, proteins, grains, vegetables and house-made sauces. Its “Poke Your Way” approach is designed to accommodate a range of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Click here for the full menu.
The company said demand continues to grow for fresh, protein-forward meals that balance quality with convenience, particularly in suburban markets like Long Island.
“Joe represents exactly the kind of partner we look for as we grow the Pokeworks brand,” said Peter Yang, the company’s co-founder and head of development.
Top: The Pokeworks dining room in Astoria, Queens. (Credit: press courtesy photo)
