Austin franchisees Carol and Marcos Blanco are preparing to open their seventh Pokeworks by prioritizing existing restaurant spaces and a streamlined kitchen model.
- Pokeworks expands in Texas with flexible real estate strategy.
- Carol and Marcos Blanco prioritize high-quality locations.
- Blancos utilize second-gen spaces for faster openings.
For Carol and Marcos Blanco, growing a Pokeworks franchise in Texas starts with finding the right property, not necessarily building a restaurant from scratch. The Austin-area franchisees currently operate six locations and plan to open a seventh in Round Rock by the end of 2026. Their strategy relies on identifying existing restaurant spaces that can accommodate Pokeworks’ streamlined kitchen model, allowing them to consider sites that might not suit concepts requiring extensive cooking equipment.
The couple opened their first Pokeworks in Austin in June 2020 after relocating to the United States. When they initially had the option of committing to a territory for three or five restaurants, they chose the larger development commitment. Their portfolio has since grown beyond that initial five-store plan, with the forthcoming Round Rock location set to become their second opening of 2026. The planned restaurant is at 2601 Sundance Parkway.
A key advantage is Pokeworks’ simplified kitchen configuration, which does not require traditional commercial ventilation hoods. That flexibility allows franchisees to evaluate second-generation restaurant spaces, including former coffee shops, boba businesses and juice bars. One example is the Blancos’ Cedar Park location, which they converted into a Pokeworks restaurant in two months. Repurposing an existing food-service space can shorten the path to opening, although the timeline depends on the condition of the property, local requirements and the work needed to meet the brand’s specifications.
The Blancos’ approach also depends on patience and relationships with property owners. Rather than choosing a site simply because it is available, they look for locations that align with their long-term business plans and maintain contact with owners in areas where they see potential. That discipline gives them more options when suitable properties become available and helps connect their real estate decisions with the needs of their growing restaurant portfolio.
Their experience illustrates a broader consideration for franchisees evaluating multi-unit expansion: the operational design of a concept can shape the range of properties available to it. A Knowledge Base feature available through Gorilla Dash can help franchise teams organize site-selection guidance, operating procedures and other reference materials as their networks grow. For operators such as the Blancos, careful property selection paired with consistent execution remains central to building a sustainable restaurant business.
Key Facts:
| Pokeworks Expansion | Pokeworks expands its presence in Texas focusing on flexible real estate solutions with simplified operational models. |
|---|---|
| Franchise Flexibility | With no need for full-service kitchens, Pokeworks franchisees can utilize second-generation spaces for faster and cost-effective openings. |
| Blancos' Strategy | Carol and Marcos Blanco focus on finding the right location to align with their long-term business goals. |
| Hands-On Approach | The Blancos maintain a personal involvement in daily operations and administrative tasks despite expansion. |
| Supportive Franchisor | Pokeworks supports franchisees with a corporate ethos that values partnership and collaboration. |
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