Freshfin Poké, the local poké restaurant which launched its first retail store on the East Side in 2017 (and earning the title of Best New Restaurant from OnMilwaukee readers), is expanding to East Tosa.

The new restaurant will be located in the East Tosa Centre, 6927 W. North Ave. in the 1,000 square foot retail space which used to house FroZone. Co-owner Nate Arkush says their goal is to open by April 1.

"Ever since we’ve opened, we’ve served customers from the West Side," he says. "And we’ve had a lot of feedback from them telling us that they’d love to see a location in the Wauwatosa area. So, we’ve always kept an eye on finding a location there."

Arkush says that the Tosa location will be slightly smaller than Freshfin’s North Avenue location on the East Side, featuring seating for about 20 guests. Arkush says he anticipates that pick-up, delivery and carry-out will comprise a good portion of their business.

New menu offerings

Guests at the East Tosa location can look forward to a number of new additions to the Freshfin menu, including new vegan protein and sauce options. For instance, a brand new tamari tofu poké bowl, made with gluten-free tamari-marinated tofu and a vegan spicy aioli has launched at all current Freshfin locations. Both the tofu and sauce are also available among the choices for build-your-own bowls, expanding the options for vegan and vegetarian diners.

A craft beverage program is also on the way. It will replace the current fountain sodas currently offered at Freshfin and will include fresh, healthy options like classic lemonade, blueberry hibiscus cooler and cucumber refresher. Rishi tea will continue to be available.

Technology & sustainability

Later this spring, Freshfin will also implement self-order kiosks in all of their stores, as well as a Freshfin app which will facilitate pre-ordering for pick up and carry-out. Arkush says that delivery functionality is also likely to be integrated into the app.

"Convenience is so key to our service model," notes Arkush. "So we’re really trying to focus on that, and really make it easier for our regular customers."

Sustainability has also been central to the Freshfin model, which implemented the use of reuseable containers for dine-in customers over a year ago. By mid-March, guests will also see eco-friendly containers taking the place of plastic at all Freshfin locations.

"We’re focused on reducing our carbon footprint," says Arkush. "Including reducing our plastic use as much as possible"

Once open, Freshfin Poké in Tosa’s hours are expected to be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.