Mahana Poké

BEING A FREQUENT VISITOR OF THE ALOHA STATE, DAVE WOOD FELL IN love with poké—a casual dish that includes chunks of raw, marinated fish tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces. Having had a successful career in the restaurant world and still not ready to retire, Wood recognized an opportunity to roll out something new and exciting. So, he teamed up with friend and business partner John Thomas and created Mahana Poké—and brought a piece of Hawaii back to the mainland U.S.

Although poké is the thrust of the business, Mahana offers much more. If you don’t care for fish, there are bowls starring meats. The “Spicy Sesame Bowl,” for example, includes grilled chicken, portobello mushroom, cucumber, and sweet pepper topped with sesame soy and spicy mayo, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.

If nothing on the menu appeals to you, try a “make-your-own bowl,” and pick your protein, veggies, and toppings. “Options really resonate with people, especially the under-40 crowd,” Wood says. The menu also includes a variety of sushi rolls and ways to customize those as well.

Wood and Thomas are very proud of their management team. “Although Mahana is new, our executive team has more than 100 years of restaurant experience across wellknown brands,” says Wood. “Franchisees have a great opportunity to be on the ground floor of something big with the benefit of experience and support.”