The UK’s leading poké operator, Island Poké has appointed Mark Comer as Finance Director for the brand as it sets to embark on a period of huge growth.
Comer comes from the UK cafe, bar, and restaurant operator, Loungers, where he was instrumental to the continued growth and success of the company during his five years as Commercial Finance Director.
Comer also has an extensive background within mergers and acquisitions in the retail and hospitality sector following his eight years training at PwC.
Comer joins as Island Poké gets set to embark on their biggest growth ambition yet, with plans to open 100 locations across the UK in the next five years.
Island Poké is part of the Hero Brands group, which also includes German Doner Kebab, Choppaluna, Sides and XIX Vodka within its growing portfolio.
The brand uses sustainable and high-quality ingredients that deliver on both flavour and feel-good factor.
With its Fresh Pacific Flavours ranging from the Classic Ahi Tuna poké to the Yuzu Lomi Lomi salmon poké, as well as vegetarian, vegan, chicken bowls and the option to ‘build your own’ bowl, with over 50,000 possible poké combinations, you can create your own dream and bespoke poké bowl.
Comer said, “I am excited to be joining Island Poké at such a key phase in its growth strategy. It is an incredible brand responding to the millennial consumer and I am looking forward to using my experience and insight to grow their reach across the UK and beyond.”
Founder James Gould-Porter said, “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the team. I admire the work he has done with Loungers and his expertise will be a key asset as we forge ahead with our mission to grow our ohana across London and beyond.”
Following the success of its restaurants in London and France, Island Poké is set to forge ahead with further growth plans in 2022 including plans for four new restaurants in Edinburgh over the next two years and a new partnership with dark-kitchen operators, Reef.
The brand currently has 18 Islands in London and nine in France.
Island Poké is also part of White Rabbit Projects group, a hospitality development platform that partners with early-stage restaurants and entrepreneurs to support and accelerate growth. Others in its portfolio include Lina Stores and Kricket.
Island Poké uses sustainable, Oceanic fabric seating in its restaurants. Oceanic is born of the Seaqual Initiative, designed to combat marine plastic pollution and achieve a waste-free environment. This fabric is a recycled polyester with a purpose, and Island Poké is proud to support the mission to clean up both the earth and its oceans.