Poki Time Signs Short-Term Lease For Former KFC/Taco Bell On Lombard

Poki Time Signs Short-Term Lease For Former KFC/Taco Bell On LombardPhoto: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline
Walter Thompson
Published on May 09, 2016

Despite opening less than two months ago, fast-casual seafood restaurant Poki Time (549 Irving St.) has signed a lease to expand to a second location at 2101 Lombard, formerly the site of a KFC/Taco Bell that's slated to be demolished for a condo development.

According to Poki Time owner Quan Khuu, "We'll be basically trying to get it up and running in a month, month and a half," depending on permits. Because the space is already permitted for a commercial kitchen, he hopes the process will be straightforward.

Before the building at the corner of Lombard and Fillmore can be transformed into housing, the project must first wend its way through the City's planning approval process. Khuu said they've obtained "a temporary lease so they can guarantee us for a year and a half."

Poki Time at 549 Irving. (Photo: Cynthia Vega)

After Poki Time opens, it will sell the healthiest food ever served inside the structure: poke consists of chopped, raw fish served with rice, sauces and fresh vegetables. Whenever possible, Khuu said he buys line-caught tuna directly from suppliers to ensure quality and protect the environment. "We always want to use sustainable vendors, but sometimes the costs go up," he said.

"The owner said that their goal was to tear it down and build condos," said Khuu, "but you know, the permits and all that really good stuff, that takes a while." In the meantime, Khuu and his partners hope their expansion to the Cow Hollow/Marina border will help their grow their business, which already benefits from a lot of repeat customers. "We're just trying to keep up with demand," said Khuu.

Poke w/kale, rice, tobiko, avocado, onion and spicy mayo. (Photo: Cynthia Vega)

The new location, which encompasses approximately 19,00 square feet, will employ up to 19 workers and will have a seating area similar in size to the Irving location, said Khuu. "The reason why we wanted this location is to utilize the existing kitchen," he added. "We are looking at a location in Daly City as well, but we haven't signed a lease yet."

Since Poki Time's April 2nd grand opening, which was celebrated with live dancers and free leis to early customers, "business has really been a blessing," said Khuu. "We couldn't ask for a better location, and the neighborhood and customers have been spectacular."