San Diego Poke Company, the popular seafood vendor that morphed from farmers market favorite to fast casual restaurant after opening its debut location in Mission Valley last year, will open a second enhanced location at 3533 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights on Saturday, June 17, marking the occasion by offering one free poke bowl to each of its first 50 guests.
To complement its build-your-own poke bowls, salads and tacos, soon after opening its second location, San Diego Poke Co. will offer four of its best-selling poke bowls as wraps, including fan favorite The OG SD (the salmon-based Reel Bliss with pineapple and peppers), sushi roll-inspired California Love, and Off the Hook (with spicy tuna, serrano peppers and chili flakes). The poke burger trend that gained nationwide attention last year will also become available in the form of a Spicy Tuna Poke Burger and The Oh-No Burger, both served on a Hot Cheetos rice bun.
A three-month construction project on the 1,450-square foot space has transformed the building into a modern poke eatery featuring crisp white walls in contrast with wood and black accents. Umezu selected an assortment of hand-made décor for the space and called upon artist Chip Fasciana, whose work also appears at the Mission Beach Boardwalk, to contribute an octopus mural inside the restaurant. The new space will also feature a large chalkboard with weekly and monthly changing specials, and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“I chose to expand into Normal Heights because I found the demographic appealing. Normal Heights reflects such a diverse ethnic population,” said founder Yohei Umezu. “I was raised in Los Angeles where I was around a similar diverse environment, so I appreciate being around different people and cultures. My experience thus far has been great and the Normal Heights locals have been more than welcoming.”
Upon arrival, guests will head to the counter for made-to-order and specialty poke dishes like The OG SD tuna bowl, the salmon-based Reel Bliss and the vegetarian Feel Soy Good tofu bowl. Other longtime favorites include the Taco ‘Bout Itsalmon tacos and mochi flown in via overnight shipping from Hawaii. San Diego Poke Co.’s new location will feature seven signature sauces including Umezu’s favorite Sweet Shoyu alongside other sweet, spicy and citrusy flavors.
For more San Diego Poke Co., visit www.sdpokeco.com.
