Peter Yang is the son of an entrepreneur, and he is the founder of Pokeworks. He went to college for structural engineer but always had a passion for the restaurant industry. After college Yang realized what he went to college for was not for him. His dad wanted to start a whole new chain in New York in his business. At 22 years old he started a chain called Pokeworks. They provide poke burritos which are Hawaiian inspired. They are healthier than your typical Mexican burrito and that is much needed now with people trying to have healthier lifestyles. It is now one of the fastest growing poke based restaurants in America. They have 46 locations in North America and are continuing to grow. Yang grew up with the knowledge to run something like it from his dad and has been doing very well for himself in using that knowledge. He really was a good candidate to lead this branch of his father’s business considering the amount of knowledge he has on running a restaurant. It’s cool to see a son following in his father’s footsteps. My dad owns his own IT company and I always wanted to do it but it is not my gifting. In Yang’s case it is his passion and his calling.
I think this is a great example of entrepreneurship. I love how you mentioned that he went to college to be a structural engineer but ended up following his true passion in the restaurant business. He really displays the entrepreneurial trait of pivoting. I think what makes his idea great and stand out is how he chose to make a healthier option instead of just something traditional.
Thank you very much for sharing. I love this example as Peter discovered he had a passion for something that wasn’t exactly what he was studying for in school. This is common among many entrepreneurs who study one subject and maybe pursue a career in that subject but end up discovering a completely separate passion that turns into a company. I am a huge fan of food and creative takes on food, so Pokeworks is definitely something I would enjoy trying. With the food industry being so competitive, those who seek to be successful in it must find creative ways to bring products to the market that are unique but also appealing. I believe Peter did an excellent job at translating that belief into practice.
I think is a great story of a young entrepreneur. Personally I am from Hawaii, and poke is the best, if you haven’t tried it then you must because it is amazing. This shows that you follow your heart and do what you can see yourself doing as well as loving the process of doing it. I love restaurants, it is hard but the payoff is great in this case anyway.