Home Economy Entrepreneurship Franchisee: Jim and Marilyn Way

Franchisee: Jim and Marilyn Way

By

James Bessette

-

03/17/2023

TROPICAL FLAVORS: Team members Julie Cox, left, and Blanca Goetz prepare poké bowls while co-owner Jim Way observes at Island Fin Poké Co. in Smithfield. PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Jim and Marilyn Way | Island Fin Poké Co. | 445 Putnam Pike, Smithfield The pitch: Island Fin Poké Co. is a fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls – basically sushi in a bowl. From farm to fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local

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Jim and Marilyn Way | Island Fin Poké Co. | 445 Putnam Pike, Smithfield

The pitch: Island Fin Poké Co. is a fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls – basically sushi in a bowl. From farm to fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Years in business: 3½ Employees: Nine Cost to obtain franchise: $49,000 initial franchising fee; $194,950 to $355,600 total investment Before opening franchise: Jim Way worked for 26 years for a corporate retailer in Massachusetts, handling accounting, finance and field operations, among other roles. Marilyn Way was a school bus driver for 26 years for Cranston Public Schools. Reason for opening: Jim Way said he was “downsized” from his job at the corporate retailer and “did not want to play the game anymore,” opting to become his own boss. And Marilyn Way wanted to get away from driving a school bus every day. The couple opened their first Island Fin Poké Co. location in Worcester, Mass., and then opened their second location in Smithfield – Marilyn Way is a Rhode Island native – on Nov. 30.

“My wife was born in Rhode Island. It’s just a great location down here with lots of people. And, having the schools Bryant University and Rhode Island College nearby helps.” – Jim Way “I have a wheat intolerance, and all of our food in the restaurant is gluten-free. It was very helpful to have something that I can get behind. I enjoy the food and I can eat it without worrying about having to get sick.” – Marilyn Way “If you want to open a franchise, do your research. Make sure it is a reputable company. You want to make sure that who you’re going with has a good foot in there and understands what is going on. Do not go in blindly; do a lot of research. It really does make a difference.” – Marilyn Way

Franchise owners interested in being included in an upcoming Franchisee feature cancontact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.