appetizer or as a main course .
When he came back to Florida , an entrepreneurial spirit took over . He started a poké food truck and traveled the U . S . for two years , attending various events , including a race at Daytona International
Stoked Poké restaurant
Speedway and Ormond Beach Mainstreet festivals , to feed the masses freshlysliced fish bowls .
He chose Port Orange — where he grew up and now lives — to open his first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 .
“ It was kind of scary because we didn ’ t know how it was going to go ,” he said .
Now with 32 employees and more business plans on the horizon , it seems a little less scary and a lot more exciting for
Jackson . His biggest business lesson ? A belief in his business , along with local support , is what has made it thrive , he said . He says people are ready to enjoy eating out once again , making it a fun time to be in the restaurant business .
“ We ’ re excited to be in this area and to be offering this niche of fresh meats ,” said Jackson . “ The world changed a lot with how people spent their money . We ’ re just excited to be in a time and place where people are embracing unique eats .”
As of today , he has two locations and a third location set to open in 2022 . He ’ s also working on starting a franchise .
Jackson is thankful he came back to his roots to grow his business where he ’ s surrounded by friends and family .
“ We only get to do this once ,” he said . “ We ’ re only here for a little while . I ’ m just here for a good time .”
Seraine Page is a four-time award-winning journalist who writes for the health , wellness , and business industries . As a serial entrepreneur herself , she ’ s passionate about putting a spotlight on successful businesses through her writing . She lives with her husband , son , and hefty chiweenie in Saint Johns , Florida .
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