Local Couple takes 10-unit Region in NE Phoenix to Develop More Koibito Poke Franchises
SCOTTSDALE , AZ, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Koibito Poke, the award-winning Arizona-based concept for fresh build-your-own poké bowls, has signed its second Regional Developer, awarding a 10-unit region in the Northeast Phoenix territory to local couple. The pair have been regular customers at Koibito Poke, and they look forward to opening their initial location and recruiting new franchisees in their area.
Not surprisingly, the next to join Koibito Poke’s “Circle of Champions,” are also in the greater Phoenix market where the brand has a strong reputation and presence. “This second Regional Developer in our local market will accelerate our growth,” said Dr. Ben Litalien, Chief Development Officer. “This new territory will span from North Scottsdale to Queen’s Creek the first location already identified for development.”
Todd Stottlemyre, Co-Founder & CEO of Koibito Poke and former MLB 3X World Champion, is excited to see the concept growing. “To build a brand that lasts you start with the right people; operators who believe in the mission and are committed to growing it the right way. This couple understands Koibito Poke and how we positively enhance every customers life through better options in food, and that makes them the perfect Regional Developer.” Koibito Poke blends healthy, nutritious ingredients with authentic flavors in an approachable, fast-casual environment. With locations already established in Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi, the brand has built a loyal following and a reputation for innovation.
The decision to offer regions for development along with single-unit franchises marks a significant milestone in the concept’s journey. The first 10 Regional Developers will be in the “Circle of Champions” with special incentives, expanded territories and direct access to the management team. They will also serve as the company’s franchise advisory council.
Regional Developers acquire a territory of a million or more in population, they open/own and operate a flagship location in the territory; act as an agent for the franchisor and are compensated for recruiting franchisees and providing onsite and ongoing support for all the franchises in their territory. “This model brings franchise development and support into the local community through an established business owner that is also in the business as a franchisee” says Litalien. “The Regional Developer model is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to rapidly build the Koibito Poke brand in a market, without the usual capital required by the area developer model.”
The Koibito Poke franchise features an unparalleled menu offering with limitless combinations, a robust operating system, a proprietary reporting and management platform that is mobile enabled, an intensive training academy, and a turnkey marketing program for grand opening and restaurant development. Locations operate in a small footprint, typically 1,200 square feet or less, with a small number of employees, yet can efficiently produce strong results. And, with no fryers, grills, or ovens the build-out cost is manageable.
“It’s time for people to have a healthy, fresh and consistent offer to supplement their dining options”, says Stottlemyre, “that’s why I love Koibito Poke and that’s why our loyal customers keep coming back. I’m excited to see us bringing the concept to many more people across the country to live heathier lives and experience great poke.”
About Koibito Poke
Founded in 2018, Koibito Poke is the award-winning Arizona poké restaurant influenced by traditional Japanese flavors and ingredients. “Koibito” means “love” in Japanese and the brand is meant to invite guests to “show their bodies some love” — by providing them with fresh, healthy proteins, vegetables and sauces that are good for them and taste good too. Koibito Poke is founded by former MLB Pitcher and 3-time World Champion Todd Stottlemyre who has led the brand’s development to several states and ten locations. For more information on the brand visit www.koibitopoke.com or contact Rebecca Church at rebecca@koibitopoke.com.
About Koibito Poke Franchising
The concept is expanding with franchises across the country featuring the regional developer model along with single-unit franchises. For more information about the Koibito Franchise Program, visit https://koibitopoke.com/franchise/ or contact Andrew Johnson, Vice President of Franchise at andrew@koibitopoke.com.
Rebecca Church
Franchise Well Consulting
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