Robert Kuliga, his son, Taylor Kuliga and partner Kyle Richard knew they wanted to go into business together but were not sure what was right for them until Kuliga, who lived in California for two years and was familiar with the business, suggested Pokémoto.

“It’s something different,” Kuliga said. “Everything is fresh. Customers can order off the menu or create their own bowl.”

A new Asian-inspired dining option in Dartmouth is taking sushi out of rolls and putting it in bowls made to order with fresh rices, proteins, vegetables, sauces and toppings.

Pokémoto Hawaiian Poké made its debut in the plaza at 127 Faunce Corner Mall Road on Dec. 21 for a soft opening and Dec. 28 for a grand opening to a promising crowd of diners, said manager and co-franchise owner Robert Kuliga.

“Business has been great,” he noted. “We have a steady flow of customers. They love it.”

Pokémoto was founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 2017 by Thomas Nguyen who made an appearance at the Dartmouth restaurant for the grand opening, Kuliga said. When Kuliga first approached Nguyen with the idea of opening a franchise in Dartmouth, he was encouraged by Ngyuen who saw the college town as potential for great success.

“When he [Nguyen] was here he was impressed with our sales so far and said he didn’t realize we have heavy traffic from the university [UMass Dartmouth].”

Hawaiian poké bowls combine sushi white or brown rice with diced cooked or raw fish such as salmon and ahi tuna served as an appetizer or main meal. In addition to the fish, chicken, tofu and shrimp are available as well. A lobster/crab salad protein mixed with mayonnaise is also available, as well as black caviar.

In keeping with Japanese and Korean cuisine, greens include healthy seaweed and kelp, Kuliga said.

In addition to the meals, Pokémoto also offers a variety of boba teas to complement the fresh pressed teas that are available, as well as lattes and Vietnamese drip coffee.

Customers can dine in-store or order online via third party delivery services for contactless delivery. 

The Dartmouth location is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pokémoto restaurants are also located in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.