Gulf Franchise Group
Franchise Specialists in GCC, Middle East, Turkey & CIS Markets

Poke House: Redefining Fast-Casual Dining with Bold Flavors and Fresh Ingredients

From Milan to the World

Poke House was founded in Milan in November 2018 by Vittoria Zanetti and Matteo Pichi, built on a simple belief: healthy eating shouldn't be a compromise, but the most natural, desirable experience. What started as a single bowl bar has quickly grown into Europe's leading fast-casual bowl brand, with 180+ locations across nine countries, including Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, the UK, Romania, Belgium, Austria and the US.

Poke House's rapid expansion is a testament to its universal appeal: a menu that combines bold global flavors with fresh, high-quality ingredients, all served in a welcoming, energetic environment. Eight years on, the brand's mission is to become the world's most loved fast-casual destination for everyday food rituals, and it is now setting its sights on the GCC as the next stage of its international growth.

The Poke House Philosophy

At the heart of Poke House is the idea that eating well should feel good. The brand's mission is to turn everyday meals into rituals of wellbeing, where every bite is a burst of flavor and every visit leaves guests feeling nourished and satisfied.

Matteo Pichi, CEO & Co-Founder, explains: "We built Poke House on the idea that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. It should be effortless, enjoyable and accessible to everyone. That's the philosophy we're taking global."

A Menu Built for Adventure

Poke House's menu is a celebration of global flavors, layered into customizable bowls that invite guests to explore and enjoy: the freshness of Hawaiian poke, the spice of Asian-inspired dishes, and the comfort of Mediterranean flavors, each crafted to deliver a vibrant, satisfying experience. The brand's commitment to quality and freshness is evident in every ingredient, from the sushi-grade fish to the crisp vegetables and signature sauces - food that's as good for you as it is delicious.

A Brand Built for Growth

Poke House's success is rooted in its scalable, adaptable model. The brand is designed to thrive in high-footfall locations, from bustling city centers to shopping malls and airports. Its strong brand identity, operational efficiency and focus on consistency make it well suited to franchisees looking to tap into the growing demand for fast, fresh and flavorful dining options.

The brand currently operates 70+ locations across Italy, with 68 international outlets and growing across Portugal, Spain, the UK, France, Romania and the US, and continues to open new sites at pace.

The Ideal Franchise Partner

Poke House is looking for experienced, well-capitalised multi-unit F&B or retail operators and entrepreneurs who share its energy and ambition. The right partner brings:

  • Strong local market knowledge
  • Access to high-footfall locations
  • A hands-on, brand-aligned approach
  • A commitment to delivering the Poke House experience at every site

Quality, consistency and a real belief in what Poke House stands for are non-negotiable, and the brand is seeking partners who are ready to build a multi-unit presence across the GCC's highest-potential locations.

Conclusion

Poke House is more than a restaurant, it's a movement toward making healthy eating a pleasure. With a proven, scalable model already operating across nine countries, the brand is poised to bring its vibrant, flavorful bowls to the GCC's highest-footfall locations, turning everyday meals into moments of joy.

For franchise enquiries, contact Gulf Franchise Group directly.

By Paul Cairnie

Paul CairniePaul is a franchise development specialist at Gulf Franchise Group, focused on identifying and placing premium international F&B brands across the GCC and wider Middle East region.