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Austin’s poke wave is going strong with the latest contender: New York-based fast-casual poke chain Pokeworks is planning on opening five Austin restaurants, with the first to be found on 9828 Great Hills Trail in the Arboretum in January 2019. There aren’t any set addresses for the other four locations yet.
Pokeworks is also opening three locations in San Antonio; the first being on 15900 La Cantera Parkway opening in October. This is the first time the chain will open locations in both cities. It’s also expanding with locations in College Station, Dallas, and McAllen.
The Hawaiian-inspired chain will bring the namesake customizable raw fish dish to both Texas cities, as well as its poke burritos and salads.
Austin’s poke scene already includes a bunch of homegrown spots like campus spot Poke Bowl, and Ola Poke with two locations, along with out-of-town spots like Pokeatery and Poke Poke. To come is Dallas-based restaurant Malibu Poke, opening later this fall with a menu from James Beard Award-nominated chef Matt McCallister.
Pokeworks first opened in New York in 2015, and quickly grew with over 100 locations across the country.
This article has been updated to reflect the first Austin location of Pokeworks, as well as the new projected opening month.