Just steps from Michigan State University’s campus, Poké Fresh has become more than just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s a gathering spot where healthy food, late-night cravings, and community come together. The story begins with father-daughter team Chris and Kylie Bachuwa, who transformed a shared love of poké into a family business. Chris first discovered the Hawaiian staple while traveling, and when he returned home, he couldn’t shake the thought of introducing it to his own community. Once he shared that excitement with Kylie, the two decided to take the leap and open a restaurant together.
For Chris, entrepreneurship runs in the family, and Poké Fresh was a way to both honor that legacy and pass it on. “Raised in an entrepreneurial family, I’d like to pass down the spirit and excitement of owning your own business. Working together will keep our family close and connected, which is very important to all of us,” he explains. That sense of family radiates outward—customers often describe the shop as warm and welcoming, while employees, many of them MSU students, form friendships that last long after graduation.
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