King Fish Poke to open in the University area late this fall

Poke lovers, are you satisfied yet?

Co-owners Derek Dong and Ben Zheng say they chose this neighborhood to give UNC-Charlotte students a healthier dining option near campus. The two graduated from the University of South Carolina and not-so-fondly remember filling themselves with burgers, pizza and fast food.

Both men have also been in the Asian restaurant business since they were “in diapers” but didn’t discover their love for poke until about three years ago on a trip to California. They were in awe by the multiple ingredients and textures and are pumped to bring this “affordable alternative to sushi” to the area.

“We’ve had poke from the East Coast to the West Coast,” said Derek, stressing the fact that they have lots of hands-on experience with the cuisine.

King Fish Poke’s bowls and sushi burritos will be customizable, so guests will pick and choose toppings and fillings as they walk down the food line.

Orders will start at $8.95 for 4 oz. of protein and unlimited access to toppings.

All sauces, such as ponzu, spicy aioli, and wasabi aioli, will be made in-house.

They’re especially proud of the “King Fish Classic,” which must be really delicious because they wouldn’t even tell me what’s in it.

When you walk in, expect to “feel really comfortable, like you just want to stay there the whole day,” Derek said.

Décor will be modern and simple with a family style table, booths, and a dining bar in the window.

Based on Derek and Ben’s passion for poke (and on these photos), I think we’re in for a treat.

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[Agenda Related Story: 11 spots to get your hands on a poke bowl in Charlotte]

All photos courtesy of King Fish Poke.