Crave Poké’s founders introduced Hawaiian-inspired bowls to Coral Springs years before the trend hit South Florida
Coral Springs, Florida – Long before poke bowls became a trendy food item across South Florida, Joe and Kelly Chong were already serving the dish to hungry customers in Coral Springs. The husband-and-wife duo behind Crave Poké introduced the area’s first dedicated poke eatery back in 2019, well ahead of the mainstream surge that would follow.
What started as a simple yet exciting idea—infusing Hawaiian-inspired flavors with elements from Korean and Japanese cuisines—has since evolved into a thriving business. Today, Crave Poké stands as a local landmark, offering fresh, customizable poke bowls to a growing fan base. However, this culinary journey began on a trip to Hawaii, which proved to be life-changing for the couple.
“We fell in love with the food there,” Joe recalls. “It’s sushi deconstructed.” The trip opened their eyes to a concept that was unfamiliar to most in Coral Springs at the time—poke. This fresh, flavorful dish combines raw fish with rice and a variety of toppings. Inspired by their experience in Hawaii, the Chongs knew they had to bring it back home.
The couple, who emigrated from Hong Kong at a young age, both grew up in families that owned Chinese restaurants. Their shared experience in the food industry made them aware of the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant. However, their paths to entrepreneurship were unique. After meeting in high school in Hollywood, they pursued different academic interests at Florida Atlantic University—Kelly in business and marketing, Joe in digital security.
Joe’s career journey included running a comic book shop, a beeper store, and dabbling in e-commerce through eBay and Amazon. Meanwhile, Kelly worked in retail, including a role as an account executive for Chanel. Despite their varied professional backgrounds, the couple always shared a passion for food—a passion that ultimately led them to open Crave Poké.
“Back then, poke was popular in New York and other places, but Broward didn’t have any spots,” Joe explains. “We found a great location in Coral Springs.” The decision to open in Coral Springs was not just about location—it was about opportunity. The couple saw a gap in the market and knew they had something special to offer.
Their daughter, now 25, played a pivotal role in shaping the restaurant’s menu. Together, they created an innovative concept where customers can build their own poke bowls, choosing from proteins like tuna, salmon, spicy crab, tofu, and shrimp. The bowls are then layered with bases such as sushi rice or brown rice, and topped with flavorful additions like edamame and crispy garlic.
“Everything is made in-house,” Kelly proudly says. “We’ve built a reputation for having fresh, fast meals.” Over the years, Crave Poké has continued to expand its offerings. Beyond the signature poke bowls, they now serve sushi rolls, Korean barbecue favorites like spicy pork, sushi-ritos (oversized sushi burritos), and an array of bubble and boba teas. The diverse menu reflects the couple’s dedication to blending traditional and modern flavors, creating a unique culinary experience for their customers.
While Crave Poké’s growth has been impressive, the Chongs’ focus on quality and customer satisfaction remains unchanged. “We want to give people an experience they can’t find anywhere else,” Joe explains. And it’s clear from the lines out the door and the steady stream of loyal customers that the Chongs have succeeded in their mission.
Their commitment to freshness and speed has set them apart in a competitive market, and their ability to adapt to new trends—while staying true to their original concept—has allowed Crave Poké to thrive.
Located at 5816 Wiles Road in the Turtle Crossing shopping center, Crave Poké is more than just a place to grab a quick meal. It’s a testament to the vision and hard work of Joe and Kelly Chong, who took a risk on a food trend they loved long before it became a national sensation.
For those in Coral Springs looking to experience a taste of Hawaii fused with Korean and Japanese flavors, Crave Poké remains the go-to spot. Whether it’s a custom poke bowl, a sushi-rito, or a refreshing bubble tea, customers are guaranteed a fresh, flavorful meal every time.
Crave Poké can be reached at (754) 222-7653 or online at wecravepoke.com.
