Quality Over Speed: How Pokerrito Grew from One Vancouver Store to an International Franchise
When Pokerrito opened its first location on Dunsmuir Street in downtown Vancouver back in 2016, the vision was simple: serve the freshest poke bowls and sushi burritos with bold, creative flavours that you couldn’t find anywhere else in Canada. Nearly a decade later, that same commitment to quality has guided every decision we’ve made — including how we grow.
Recently, Business in Vancouver featured Pokerrito in a piece on franchise leaders who prioritize smart, methodical expansion over rapid scaling. It’s a philosophy our founder Jung Moon has championed from day one — and one that has shaped Pokerrito into the brand it is today.
Why We Don’t Chase Numbers
In the fast-casual restaurant industry, there’s constant pressure to scale quickly. Open 50 locations in two years. Hit aggressive unit targets. But at Pokerrito, we’ve taken a different path. We believe that every new location should uphold the same standard of freshness, flavour, and hospitality that our guests experienced at our very first store.
That means being deliberate about where we open, who we partner with, and how we train every team member. We’ve seen too many brands chase growth targets and lose what made them special in the first place. That’s not the Pokerrito way.
The Right Partners Matter Most
Franchising isn’t about losing quality control — it’s about multiplying your impact through the right partners. That’s something our founder learned early on, and it remains the core of our franchise development strategy today.
Today, Pokerrito operates 11 locations across Metro Vancouver, with four corporately owned and seven run by dedicated franchise partners. Your first franchisee sets the tone for everyone who follows — which is why we invest so much time in finding operators who share our passion for fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and community connection.
From Vancouver to the World
After building a strong foundation in British Columbia, we took our biggest step yet: going international. In 2025, Pokerrito opened its first location outside Canada in Mexico City’s prestigious Lomas de Chapultepec neighbourhood — bringing our signature poke bowls, sushi burritos, and warm bowls to an entirely new market.
And we’re not stopping there. Later this year, Pokerrito will open in Toronto, marking our expansion into Eastern Canada. Each new market is chosen with care — we look for communities that value fresh, customizable food and a welcoming dining experience. Growth for us has never been about speed; it’s about finding the right fit.
What’s Next for Pokerrito
We’re entering an exciting new chapter. With international expansion underway, new Canadian markets on the horizon, and a growing family of franchise partners, Pokerrito is positioned for its most ambitious growth yet — all while staying true to the principles that got us here.
Quality over speed. People over numbers. Community over convenience. That’s the Pokerrito way — and it always will be.
Interested in Joining the Pokerrito Family?
If you’re passionate about fresh food, community, and building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an experienced operator or an aspiring entrepreneur, Pokerrito offers a proven model built on quality, support, and shared values. Learn more about franchise opportunities at pokerrito.com/franchise.