Chipotle-style poke restaurant to open mid-November in the University City area
King Fish Poke is expected to open in the University City area in mid November.
If you still haven’t had the popular Hawaiian dish, let’s first start off with how to pronounce “poke.” The term is pronounced “poh-KAY” and is typically composed of chunks of sushi-grade salmon or tuna, marinated in either sesame oil or soy sauce, topped with green onions and served over a bed of rice.
Partners Derek Dong and Bin Zheng are opening their first restaurant together in an 1,855-square-foot space at 350 E. McCullough Dr., located next to Jimmy John’s in McCullough Commons.
“King Fish is our mascot. He represents the upmost standards of freshness, quality and service,” said Dong.
How did the two decide to open a poke restaurant for their first venture?
The two 24-year-olds both grew up in the restaurant industry. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, their corporate jobs just didn’t feel right for either of them. While the two were in California a few years back, they tried poke. The trend continued and they started eating it on a more regular basis. And the rest is history.
At King Fish Poke, it will be like Chipotle where you can order your food in an assembly-line service style. You’ll be able to enjoy customizable poke bowls and sushi burritos as signature entrees. You’ll be able to choose from around 35 ingredients (including proteins and rice) with main courses running around $8.95. Homemade signature drinks and desserts like mango sticky rice are also in the works.
If you’re a newbie and are confused about where to start, they’ll offer a couple of different signature bowls that you can choose from.
We’re already hungry just thinking about it.
Photos: King Fish Poke
This story was originally published October 3, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Chipotle-style poke restaurant to open mid-November in the University City area."