LemonShark Poke’s First Houston Location Coming to the Westlake Marketplace
Sean Lockovich of the Retail Division at Henry S. Miller Brokerage represented LemonShark in the lease of the poke restaurant’s first location in Houston. The 2,250-square-foot restaurant space with a patio is at Westlake Marketplace, located at the northwest corner of Sam Houston Tollway and West Lake Houston Parkway near Humble, TX.
LemonShark Poké is a restaurant that serves locally sourced and crafted poke. The first two locations were opened in Redlands, CA and San Bernardino, CA to rave reviews. It is quickly becoming the fastest-growing poke franchise in the US. More than 65 franchises were sold in the last year.
The concept is unlike any other. While other poke competitors are best known for grab-n-go, LemonShark Poké is breaking this mold. The restaurant is an inviting, modern space decorated in Japanese minimalist style that offers plenty of seating. In addition to fresh food, there is a self-serve beer tap and a full sake menu. The ambiance invites customers to sit down and enjoy their meal, which is vastly different from anything else on the market.
LemonShark Poké isn’t just enjoyable for the average diner but for families as well. The popular ‘kids bowl’ is a Hawaiian-style Chicken Teriyaki over rice. Co-founder and COO, Tobi Miller says, “If I am going out for dinner I want to enjoy my food and a drink, but my kids are picky, like most are. LemonShark invites families to stay for dinner because everyone has an option. My wife and I love the fresh fish and the self-serve beer wall. My kids love the Chicken Katsu (Hawaiian-styleChicken Teriyaki).”
What is Poké?
“Poké / po ke / is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine, and sometimes as an entree. Poke is the Hawaiian verb for “section” or “to slice or cut”. Traditional forms are aku (an oily tuna) and he’e (octopus). He’e (octopus) poke is usually called by its Japanese name “Tako” poke, except in places like the island of Ni’ihau where the Hawaiian language is spoken. Increasingly popular ahi poke is generally made with Yellowfin tuna. Adaptations may feature raw salmon or various shell sh as a main ingredient served raw with the common “poke” seasonings.”
LemonShark Poke is anticipated to open in Fall 2018.
Photos courtesy LemoShark Poké