Over the last several years, Walmart has gradually modified its in-store restaurant collaborations, eliminating almost all of the current McDonald’s locations by mid-2021. Aside from McDonald’s, Walmart has also conducted trials with several eateries like Charley’s Philly Steaks, Domino’s, and Taco Bell.
Nevertheless, a recent collaboration has surfaced, and poke bowls and other customary Hawaiian dishes enthusiasts would undoubtedly be the first to commend the retail behemoth’s most recent modifications to its fast-food offerings.
Uncle Sharkii, a fast-food franchise renowned for its genuine poke bar concept, has recently disclosed a collaboration with Walmart. This cooperation entails the establishment of Uncle Sharkii outlets inside various Walmart stores. The relationship will start with shops in California and thereafter extend throughout the United States.
Uncle Sharkii has inaugurated three Walmart establishments in Galt, Roseville, and Vacaville, California. Uncle Sharkii restaurants may be located independently in Hawaii, Texas, and Utah. There are also plans to develop other poke bars in Arizona and Nevada.
Raymond Reyes, the co-founder and COO of the poke bar chain, expressed their aspiration to deeply connect with the essence of America and spread the ‘Spirit of Aloha’ to all individuals around the nation, as stated in an official press release by Uncle Sharkii.
According to Reyes, Walmart has consistently served as a meeting place for residents, visitors, and families while growing up in Hawaii. The establishments evoke a strong feeling of community and nostalgia for all visitors. Partnering with Walmart was beyond my imagination, and I anticipate a successful collaboration.
The first Uncle Sharkii establishment was established inside a Walmart in the autumn of the last year. Customers were greeted with a weekend of festivities to celebrate the grand launch, including enticing offers such as buy-one-get-one (BOGO) poke bowls, BOGO boba teas, and merchandise giveaways.
Additionally, the first customers of the weekend were given $5 in Uncle Sharkii credit in conjunction with their purchases.
Walmart’s collaboration with Uncle Sharkii is undeniably a calculated maneuver that is expected to generate considerable enthusiasm within the sector. The retail behemoth’s commitment to providing its consumers with a broader range of nutritious and superior food choices is timely since the ordinary consumer may be seeking a better substitute for the familiar fast-food offerings.
In an interview with QSR Magazine, Angelica Teague, Walmart’s senior manager of retail services, said that Walmart is dedicated to offering consumers an extensive range of items and services they want while ensuring affordability.
Teague admires the company’s most recent collaboration: “We greatly appreciate teaming up with local establishments nationwide to provide our customers with fresh and nutritious dining choices, and we are enthusiastic about our partnership with Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar.”
The new collaboration represents a much anticipated and essential transformation in our contemporary society. Fast-food remains a practical choice for those seeking a quick lunch while in transit. However, it is desirable that we progressively distance ourselves from the detrimental effects of the unhealthy and industrially processed meals that saturate our nation.
It is commendable to see major corporations such as Walmart actively implementing these essential modifications.