From your perspective, what’s driving today’s growing consumer interest in protein-forward meals and snacks?

Ha Ly: Consumers today are much more intentional about how they eat. Protein has evolved beyond fitness culture; it’s now tied to energy, satiety, weight management and overall wellness. People want meals that help them feel full, focused and balanced throughout the day, especially as lifestyles get busier.

We’re also seeing consumers move toward cleaner, less processed sources of protein. Seafood and lean proteins options are resonating because people increasingly associate them with freshness and functional nutrition. At Pokeworks, that aligns naturally with our core offering:  highly customizable meals built around fresh proteins and fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients.

How are diners redefining what “healthy convenience” means in today’s fast-casual environment?

Ha Ly: Healthy convenience used to mean sacrificing either flavor or customization for speed. Today’s consumers, and our guests, expect all three: freshness, personalization and convenience.

Diners want food that fits their lifestyle in real time. Some guests track protein, some manage carbs, and others simply look for a lighter meal that still feels satisfying and tastes great. The expectation now is that fast-casual brands can deliver meals that are craveable and healthy, without slowing down the experience.

Pokeworks continues to grow with the broader poke category in large part to providing healthy convenience with umami-filled dishes.

What product attributes or menu choices are you seeing resonate most strongly with your customers today?

Ha Ly: Customization continues to be one of our strongest drivers. The vast majority of Pokeworks guests purchase our personalized Poke Your Way bowls and entree options. Guests increasingly want to customize their own meals.

We’re also seeing strong demand for fresh, clean, and minimally processed ingredients. Fresh seafood, high-quality toppings, vibrant vegetables continue to resonate strongly.

Another important trend is balance. Consumers don’t necessarily want “diet food,” they want meals that feel indulgent and satisfying while still supporting healthier habits. The ability to build a bowl that’s both flavorful and nutrient-forward is a major part of our appeal.

How is transparency influencing protein purchasing decisions among today’s consumers?

Ha Ly: Transparency has become incredibly important, especially with younger consumers. Guests want to know where ingredients come from, how they’re prepared and what’s actually in their food. In fast casual, visual transparency matters too. At Pokeworks, guests see their meal assembled directly in front of them. Confidence comes from seeing fresh ingredients, understanding portion choices and knowing exactly what’s going into your bowl. Consumers are also paying closer attention to ingredient quality, sourcing and nutritional clarity. Brands that are open and straightforward about those things build stronger trust and long-term loyalty.

Looking ahead, how do you see consumer expectations around protein, convenience and balanced nutrition continuing to evolve

Ha Ly: Consumers are moving toward a more personalized definition of wellness. There’s no longer one universal “healthy diet”—people want flexibility to eat in ways that align with their own goals and lifestyles.

Going forward, I think expectations will continue rising around three things: high-quality ingredients, personalized options (e.g., build your own entree), and convenience.