* Michael Tomaiolo of Shrewsbury, owner of the Massachusetts-based Atlantic Poke franchise, opened his third location in November at Shoppers World in Framingham.
* Tomaiolo founded the fast-casual Atlantic Poke in Shrewsbury in 2018, adding a second location Marlborough in 2021.
* Poke bowls originated in Hawaii, later gaining worldwide popularity.
Michael Tomaiolo of Shrewsbury, owner of the Massachusetts-based Atlantic Poke franchise, opened his third location in November at Shoppers World in Framingham.
Tomaiolo founded the fast-casual Atlantic Poke in Shrewsbury in 2018, adding a second location Marlborough in 2021. He expresses enthusiasm for his new spot, a significant addition to his portfolio.
Poke bowls originated in Hawaii, later gaining worldwide popularity. Customization, freshness and flavors make poke bowls a popular choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. The ability to build a bowl with fresh ingredients, like sushi-grade fish, and a variety of toppings and sauces appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Poke bowl restaurants are casual and require minimal cooking for owners, said Tomaiolo. Unlike traditional restaurants, poke shops don't need extensive equipment like ventilation hoods, grills or fryers, he said. "The focus is on combining a variety of pre-prepped, fresh, healthy ingredients rather than cooking from scratch for each order."
Tomaiolo and his wife, Julia, considered opening a third restaurant before signing a lease in Framingham. "We previously looked at Framingham and threw the idea around for more than a year," said Tomaiolo. "We were approached by the landlord in the spring of 2024 before we committed." The businesses are jointly run by the couple. "Julia is my glue," said Tomaiolo about his wife. "She usually manages the Shrewsbury operation, but jumps in wherever needed." The couple have two young children, Michael and Christian Tomaiolo. Both have great food tastes, according to their dad.
Atlantic Poke, 1 Worcester Road, Framingham is in newly built space near the Best Buy location. Shoppers World is a large, successful retail property with a high volume of visitors, said Tomaiolo. Its location along Route 9 makes it easily accessible, he said.
According to Tomaiolo, Playa Bowls is a business that will open next to his restaurant, "likely in December." The brand, with locations in Worcester, Hudson and Milton, focuses on fruit-infused food items.
Atlantic Poke Framingham is the largest in the franchise, seating 32. The Shrewsbury shop in Lakeway Commons, 193 Turnpike Road and Marlborough, 237 Boston Post Road, both accommodate 24, with indoor seating.
Current hours at Atlantic Poke Framingham: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Visit atlanticpoke.com; Telephone: (508) 970-4077. Catering info on website. Menu includes Signature Bowls and Build-Your-Own. Bubble tea is also featured. Note: Framingham hours could change during the December holiday season. Updates will be posted on social media. At Shoppers World, Atlantic Poke's building front is painted a light blue, highly visible and immediately noticeable to passersby.
Tomaiolo said his immediate focus in Framingham is building a strong brand identity and cohesive team. Staff from his other restaurants have helped train new hires. "We want to create a positive and memorable experience for every customer," said Tomaiolo, who acknowledged customers during our mid- morning interview, engaging in small talk like "How did you hear about us?" "I go to your Marlborough location. I love it," said a customer. Another person asked if Atlantic Poke gave a military discount. The owner's response, "Yes, year-round in all our locations."
Tomaiolo, who was born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury, previously worked in medical sales. He comes from a family of restaurateurs, great uncles, grandfather and cousins affiliated with the former White Cliffs in Northboro, A.J. Tomaiolo's in Northborough and Leo's Ristorante in Worcester.
He said he always enjoyed watching his mother cook and decided to go after his dream and take a risk when he opened his first Atlantic Poke. He is a passionate owner with a strong work ethic.
The National Restaurant Association's 2026 What's Hot Culinary Forecast includes a consumer desire for "protein-packed meals, global flavors and health and wellness," all of which can be incorporated into poke bowls.
The popularity of poke bowls is firmly established, said Tomaiolo, who looks forward to a busy holiday season and a new year of growth and opportunity.
Michael and Julia, best wishes on your new restaurant.
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