3-time World Series champion to expand his restaurant chain to Idaho: ‘I love Boise’

Todd Stottlemyre is a fan of the Gem State.

“I love Boise,” says Stottlemyre, who grew up in Washington before spending 15 seasons as a Major League Baseball pitcher. “My brother lives up in Lewiston. I’m actually traveling to Idaho later this month because we’re going to do some steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River.”

So nobody’s happier than Stottlemyre about his Arizona restaurant brand, Koibito Poke, heading for the Treasure Valley. “We’re coming there, boss,” he promises.

It’s all part of a strategic expansion plan for the fast-casual chain, which specializes in poke bowls at four Phoenix-area restaurants. Koibito Poke recently signed a franchise sales agreement with True Capital Partners LLC, which has committed to sell at least 300 locations in eight states over the next half decade.

The development schedule puts the first 120 stores in place in the next 2 1/2 years. Stottlemyre — Koibito Poke’s co-founder and CEO — says Idaho will be a part of that initial push.

“If we’re not up and running (there) by the end of 2022,” he says, “we will be in 2023 for sure. That I can promise you.”

Where, precisely? Still to be determined. But Koibito Poke definitely will open in the Boise and Coeur d’Alene areas, Stottlemyre says. “Boise is a great place for us and our model — college town and the people there. It’s literally a perfect match for our brand.”

A member of three World Series championship teams, Stottlemyre pitched for Toronto, Oakland, St. Louis, Texas and, finally, Arizona, where he retired from the Diamondbacks in 2002. He launched Koibito Poke in 2018. As a former athlete, Stottlemyre appreciates the potential health benefits of poke (pronounced “POH-kay”) — a Hawaiian dish of raw, marinated fish, with roots in Japanese cuisine.

Stottlemyre eats at Koibito Poke four or five times a week, he says. “I got into, really, all the nutritional value it provides, and health and fitness, which it provides,” he says. “As I’m getting older and taking care of myself.”

Idahoans who have frequented local Paddles Up Poke restaurants will discover a familiar experience at Koibito Poke. Like the Boise-based chain, Koibito offers a build-your-own bowl concept, along with signature menu options. A “large selection of bases, proteins, toppings, housemade sauces and more — all of which are the freshest and highest-quality possible — gives diners the opportunity to craft their bowl towards a specific health goal,” according to Koibito’s website.

“Whether trying to eat more greens or seafood, eliminate red meat, go low-carb, or try a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, guests can accomplish these goals easily (and deliciously).”

Koibito’s bowls range from small (two scoops of protein, $12.99) to extra-large (five scoops of protein, $18.49).

Not into raw fish? Order a chicken and shrimp bowl. Or get more exotic — with octopus.

New customers often order a Hawaiian tuna bowl. “We call it the first-timer,” Stottlemyre says. And so does a certain owner. “Listen, I get stuck sometimes,” he admits with a laugh. “But I like to mix the salmon in with the Hawaiian tuna.”

Koibito Poke locations will offer seated dining, but the restaurants will be only about 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, Stottlemyre says. Delivery and takeout sales make up about 50 percent of the current restaurants’ business.

In addition to Idaho, Koibito Poke’s expansion agreement includes franchises in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, California and Stottlemyre’s old stomping ground, Washington. The chain also is concentrating on expanding in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.

But, no doubt, Stottlemyre is happy to be headed to Idaho. And, hopefully, hitting a home run in the state.

“We’re about connecting,” he says. “Yeah, we want this thing to make money, for sure. Hands down, it is a business, and it is a for-profit business. But there’s also a piece of this company that I’m going to announce that’s also a nonprofit piece. And it’s all about serving the people.”

Stay tuned, Stottlemyre says. He plans to share that part of the plan soon.

Online: koibitopoke.com.