Hai Poké is settling in the Short North this summer. Having so far operated solely out of a food truck, popping up outside bars, festivals and events, this will be their first brick and mortar location.
“This feels very much like finally coming home after a long trip on the road,” said Nile Woodson, Hai Poké co-founder, in a press release. “We have always been guests in other people’s homes in terms of pop-ups, but this opportunity gives us the chance to grow into our own home and show people what we’re capable of.”
Over the last two years, they’ve been catering and bringing their poké bowls to Oddfellows, Pure Pressed Juicery and Zauber Brewing. With their first physical location will come some menu changes. Still sticking to the increasingly popular poké bowls, Hai Poké will add alternative base options, like kale and other greens as well as brown rice. Along with more fish choices, they’ll add side dishes that “incorporate flavors and tastes from different islands such as Japanese inspired dumplings and poké nachos.”
“It’s definitely a big win for Columbus. We have gotten so much support from other restaurant owners and the Columbus community as a whole, and are forever grateful,” said co-founder Mico Cordero. “We’ve poured our hearts out to Columbus, and for us to finally give Hai Poké a brick and mortar location shows that our island inspired dishes have a humble home here in the Midwest.”
Expecting a summer opening, Hai Poké will be located at 647 N. High St.
For more information, visit haipoke.com.