Rachel Shuster

Located at 41 Park Ave. in the Trolley Yard in Worcester, Island Fin Poke Co. is a new spot offering up some of the most delicious food you may have never tried.

Opening this July, owners Jim and Marilyn Way have already seen huge success. “It’s going really well,” Jim Way says. “Customers have been giving some great feedback and reviews. The food is healthy and delicious and people love the flavors. We have gotten a lot of repeat customers. We’re really happy with the acceptance we’ve seen from the city.”

For the Ways, this is their first venture into the restaurant business, but have many years of additional experience under their belts. “I have 26 years of experience ranging from retail, corporate finance, retail finance and operations, even managing stores and field operations,” Way says. 

In looking for something different to do, Jim and his wife met a franchise consultant who represented a variety of different franchise opportunities. The couple figured out what they liked and didn’t like, and when they were introduced to the owner of the Island Fin Poke Co., they knew they found their next adventure. 

“We really liked him, the concept, and the food,” Way says. “We decided to take a chance and jump.”

The original location of Island Fin Poke Co. is in Celebration, Florida, with additional stores opening across the country. For the Ways, bringing a store up to Worcester was a huge opportunity. 

“There’s not a lot of places like this around here. Some people have never had poke and now they can,” Way says. 

The vibe of the restaurant is casual and beachy. “We have a surf board logo, high tops and multi-colored tables,” Way says. “You’re greeted by service ambassadors who will walk you through the menu and explain the different flavors of marinades and sauces,” he says. Not to mention, you can sample what you want for free!

As for the menu, it focuses on poke bowls primarily and the standard price for a bowl is $12. “That is for a bowl you build on your own or pre-configured bowl,” Way adds.

The way it works? You have the choice of three bases – white or brown rice or spring mix. From there, you have 8 different proteins – tuna, spice tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus, tofu, spam and chicken. You then get a choice of 5 mix-ins and mix-in marinades. For these you choose from jalapenos, sweet onions, corn, edamame, and the OG marinade which is onions and jalapenos with the OG marinade sauce.

Next is unlimited toppings! Cucumbers, pineapples, and more! Did I mention that all the food is gluten free?

“We also have Dole Whip,” Way says. The delicious treat is something you find in places like Disney World or Hawaii. “There are very few places that have it, but we do.”

The Ways plan on doing some events later this year in the community and the store, so stay tuned! 

Island Fin Poke Co. is open seven days a week from 11a.m. – 9 p.m. See you there!

For more information, visit islandfinpoke.com.