WICKER PARK — FireFin Poke Shop, a rapidly growing Chicago-based chain of eateries serving salad and rice topped with fresh fish, will open outposts this spring in Wicker Park and Lakeview, it was announced on Wednesday.
The fast casual concept opened its first location seven months ago, at 10 S. Lasalle St. and will open a Wicker Park spot at 1415 N. Milwaukee Ave., replacing the shuttered Chicago Cupcake, and a Lakeview outpost at 3200 N. Halsted St.
FireFin Poke Shop serves more than 10 varieties of Hawaiian-style poke bowls, costing between $8.95 - $15.95. Two bestsellers are “Tuna on Fire” and the “Rainbow Bowl”.
Both the Wicker Park and Lakeview locations will seat between 30 and 40 patrons and stay open 7 days a week, with delivery and catering menus.
Managing partner Anshul Mangal said in a news release that “FireFin’s strategy is to craft the freshest product possible utilizing the best of Hawaiian inspired ingredients," with fish flown in fresh daily from sustainable sources.
The bowls are gluten-free, with some having less than 500 calories.
“Our product is fresh, our story is rooted in tradition, and our process is simple, yet ancient island AME (love),” added Chef Rodelio Aglibot, another managing partner.
With Wednesday's news, FireFin Poke Stop, a collaboration between Aglibot (The Food Buddha), Chef Frank Fronda, Chef Shin Thompson (Furious Spoon), restaurateur Mangal (Furious Spoon, Deadbolt Bar) and managing partner Aftab Shahsingh, will have five restaurants under its belt.
Previously announced, FireFin Ogilvie Station and Franklin Street will open their doors early this year.
