“I brought ramen to Memphis,” says Gai Klaimongkol. Klaimongkol used to own Skewer, and after that restaurant closed, he says, “I was looking for something new for this area. I heard about poke a lot.”
Klaimongkol is opening Memphis’ first Ono Poke restaurant called Ono Poke. This fast-casual restaurant will seat about 15 to 20. Estimated opening date is early May.
“Ono,” in Hawaiian, means both delicious and fish. Ono Poke restaurants serve fish salads — rice, greens, and raw fish in a bowl. Klaimongkol describes it as comfort food.
There will also be vegan Buddha bowls, he says.
He also likens the process to ordering at a Subway, where the customer can customize their orders. Grab-and-go will be a big part of the business.
Klaimongkol is aiming for something casual, something healthy, something easy.
Ono Poke will be located at 3145 Poplar, across from East High School.