Friday, November 22, 2024



First Look: US Marine Veteran Opens Island Fin Poke Franchise in Windermere

Island Fin Poke, a fast-casual chain that serves Hawaiian-style poke bowls in a comfortable laid back beach shack environment founded in Winter Springs in 2017, recently opened its fifth local restaurant at 4750 The Grove Dr, Windermere, FL 34786 in The Grove shopping center, located across from Feather & Quill.

Island Fin Poke provides guests with pole-to-bowl and farm-to-fork, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients for each individual to create their own perfect poke bowl.

With eight proteins, over 25 toppings, house-made sauces and specialty mix-ins, the endless possibilities allow guests to get creative and try something new every visit.

Spicy Tuna Bowl – one of the most popular menu items

Windermere franchise owner Tommy Ramjattan, originally from the Caribbean island of Trinidad, lived in the states for several years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. During his four years of service, Ramjattan’s high test scores had earned him the envied title of marine firefighter and aircraft rescue specialist. After serving active duty, Ramjattan continued as a marine reservist until 2014, while also serving on the NYC police force, where he became a dedicated sergeant until his retirement in 2016.

Having time for a Florida vacation, Ramjattan realized a relocation out of the city and back to warmer climates was exactly the change he needed. A few months after his visit, he and his wife Grace, and their two children, moved to Orlando, Florida, with plans to look into a franchise to build together.

The Ramjattans had established several key objectives during their franchise search. The business had to work for them, not the other way around. It had to offer a product or service they believed in, and there had to be time left to enjoy life. Having met all of their requirements, Island Fin Poké came in first place.

The Ramjattans took a hard pass on pizza and burger joints for this healthy, Hawaiian style poké franchise, and had an November 2020 grand opening in Windermere, Florida.

The Ramjattans boast about Island Fin Poké’s healthy menu options and sustainable sourcing that makes everyone feel good. Ramjattan states, “It actually compliments you a little more when you believe in what you are doing, and you like the product you are selling.”

Ramjattan was also impressed with the simplicity and straightforward, no-cook business model Mark Setterington, president and CEO of Island Fin Poké, has created.

President and CEO of Island Fin Poké, Mark Setterington and his daughter Taylor helping out on the line of the Windermere store

Ramjattan’s marine-taught foundation of discipline, hard work, improvising, adapting, and overcoming, will serve their Island Fin Poké customers well.

The Marine Corps built his character and self-confidence and taught him how to look at everything with a unique perspective and appreciation. Ramjattan will always remember the things he learned from day one in the Marine Corps.  Island Fin Poke is proud to provide a military and service member discount at any location at anytime.

Every guest at Island Fin Poke is treated like family, ‘Ohana!

STUBBORN SODA is made with natural flavors and without High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), artificial sweeteners, and Azo Dyes.

And as a reward for all that healthy eating, you should finish your meal with a delicious and refreshing cup of Dole Whip.

They are SO yummy.

The new Windermere location comes at a time when Island Fin Poké continues to rapidly expand its national footprint.  In addition to its open restaurants, Island Fin Poke has 25 locations in various stages of development across the country.

Taylor Setterington, daughter of Mark Setterington, president and CEO of Island Fin Poké, with their biggest fan, Armin.

For more information on an Island Fin Poké franchise, visit IslandFinPoke.com

Island Fin Poke – Windermere
4750 The Grove Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 217-7198


CURRENT SPECIALS

Lunch special of Bowl, Drink and chips – $13 EVERYDAY 11-3
First Responders – 15% off
Free Premium Topping Tuesdays
Teachers Appreciation Thursdays – build your own bowl and get a Free Dole
Kids bowl with 1 protein for $5, kids under 12 – Everyday

Happy Hour – 3-6 M-F
Half off Dole Whip 16 oz cup









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