Vendis Capital invests in Pokawa

Pokawa is a French fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Hawaiian-inspired poké bowls. Founded in July 2017 by Maxime Buhler and Samuel Carré, the company has rapidly established a strong brand presence by capitalizing on consumer demand for healthy, customizable, and balanced meal options. The core offering consists of bowls with a base of rice, topped with marinated raw fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. The business operates a hybrid model, combining physical restaurant locations with a significant digital footprint, leveraging major third-party food delivery platforms to reach a wide customer base. This digital-first approach was integral to its initial growth and market penetration. By 2019, one of its dishes was recognized as the most-sold item globally on the Deliveroo platform, highlighting its popularity. As of September 2020, the company's network included 27 points of sale, a mix of company-owned and franchised units, across France and internationally in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Colombia. The company employed a team of approximately 220 people at that time, supporting its retail and digital operations. Pokawa positions itself as a modern, accessible, and health-conscious food brand within the quick-service restaurant industry.