10/22/2026
I’m going to skip the usual pleasantries in this post, and I’ll just come right out and say the thing:
We are really, really struggling right now.
I try so hard to offer a good value, with a *ton* of real, fresh, healthy food options for the money. I make sure this is a safe space, where every last person feels welcome. I try to be kind, and helpful, and bend over backwards to give what I consider to be some of the best customer service in Stark County. I’ve given away tons of free meals to those who were truly suffering and simply needed something to eat. I have a very small, but very dedicated group of regulars; who I absolutely adore. But it’s just not enough.
In most instances; you’d think “well maybe your food just isn’t that good, or the service stinks; or your location isn’t right…”. We have a 4.85 Google rating, with a 92% five-star rating average. We have a 5.0 rating on Yelp. We have a 100% rating on Facebook. They all say the same thing more or less… “great food, better service, and good value”. And mind you, I’ve never once incentivized or bribed people for leaving positive reviews. Any of the 100’s of reviews we’ve ever gotten; were because someone decided on their own that they wanted to let us know they enjoyed the experience. We are located right in the heart of the busiest business area in the county, with super easy in and out access to our shop. But it’s just not enough.
I think the hardest, and most frustrating part, is that while I often go an hour or two without a customer on a beautiful sunny day like yesterday; Chipotle next door has 20 people in line seven days a week. McDonald’s has cars filling up both drive thru lanes. 7Brew has double barrel lines, ten cars deep. Same at Chick-fil-a. People are out; and spending money on food and drinks. Just not here with us. And I honestly don’t know what else to do.
I spent way too much money with a couple of “well known” and “famous” local social media food influencers. It gave us a small bump for about a week, then nothing. I’ve tried targeted ads on Facebook and IG. Nothing to show for it. I’ve offered fund raising nights for schools, churches; groups… no one seems interested. I’ve even offered offices and businesses around here 100% free delivery to them; that I will personally hand deliver; and no one takes me up on it.
I know people are struggling right now. While there are some people who are doing well in this economy, there are a lot more who aren’t. I feel conflicted coming on here and asking for more business, when there are people who don’t know if they can afford next month’s rent; or another full tank of gas… and frankly, that sucks. I wish it was different. I wish we could all win collectively as a group. Even if you aren’t able to support us with a purchase right now, just something as simple as an authentic Facebook or IG post telling your friends and family about us helps. Every little bit of awareness helps.
So yeah, I guess I’m making a last ditch effort to ask for your business in the most real, personal way possible. Even if you’re just able to see me once a month. That would make all the difference in the world. The Chipotle’s and Chick-Fil-A’s and Starbucks of the world will survive. The small, one location, locally owned Poke Fresh’s of the world, will not. So I kindly; and humbly ask that just once out of every ten times you’re gonna hit up one of the giant, corporate, private equity owned behemoths… you drive a block further and give Poke Fresh your business instead. I’m not trying to become a millionaire, I’m just trying to keep the lights on.
And I need your help.
Much love,
Jonathan 🤙🏻
