Story and Photos By Hilary Jenison
Get excited, Hingham, a new fast-casual dining option opens tomorrow in Hingham as local residents Joanna and Abi Sood prepare to open Pokémoto, a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant specializing in customizable fresh poké bowls, wraps, salads, and boba teas.
The restaurant, located at 400 Lincoln St. across from the Hingham Shipyard (the former Vacuum House location in Lincoln Plaza), officially opens this weekend just in time for Father’s Day.
A Family Rooted in Hingham
Joanna, a Hingham native, grew up in town before spending many years living in India with her family. Abi was raised in New Delhi, where the couple lived and raised their three children before relocating to Hingham in 2019.
Their oldest two daughters graduated from Hingham High School, and their son is entering eighth grade at Hingham Middle School. The girls will also be familiar faces working at Pokémoto this summer, so be sure to say hello.
Many local families know Abi through youth sports. He coached Hingham Youth Field Hockey for several years before becoming varsity field hockey coach at Notre Dame Academy last year.
From Home Furnishings to Fresh Poké
While the restaurant industry may be a new venture, entrepreneurship is not new for the Soods. They are also the founders of Avasa Home, a home furnishings company known for its sustainable textiles and bedding collections and for being featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.
“We’re so excited to finally open Pokémoto and provide a fresh, healthy, and delicious dining option that fits the active and vibrant lifestyle of local residents,” said Joanna.
What’s on the Menu?
Pokémoto’s menu centers on build-your-own poké bowls featuring fresh proteins including ahi tuna, salmon, chicken, pork, beef, and tofu. Customers can customize their meals with a variety of vegetables, toppings, and sauces.
The restaurant will also offer wraps, salads, and a selection of fruit and milk boba teas. Did we mention every day from 3 to 5 p.m. is Happy Hour with 50 percent off all boba teas?!
The Soods said they were drawn to the Lincoln Street location because of its proximity to the Shipyard, Lynch Field, and several youth sports venues, making it a convenient stop for families on the go.
We got a sneak peek of the menu this week and highly recommend the tuna poké bowl with all the toppings and the creamy miso dressing. Joanna shared that all proteins are filleted and vegetables are chopped fresh daily on-site. The dressings and sauces are also made in-house.
Grand Opening Weekend
Their grand opening weekend will feature celebrations, giveaways, and special promotions, so be sure to stop by Pokémoto while you’re out and about this weekend.
Pokémoto doors open today at 400 Lincoln St. in Hingham with Grand Opening celebrations beginning Friday, June 19th.
