OG Poke | Our Story
Our Founder, Kevin Castillo
Born and raised in Hanapepe on the island of Kauai, Kevin Castillo grew up with a love for poke that never left him. As a child, a bad reaction once had him in tears, afraid he would never be able to eat his favorite food again. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. With more than 30 years of experience, Kevin still brings that same passion to the traditional Hawaiian-style poke he grew up eating.
From Kauai to the Mainland
After moving to Oregon in late 2018 and traveling to other places serving poke, Kevin saw a need for the traditional Hawaiian style he knew from home. His first step took him to Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he and a childhood friend started Kanaka Poke in 2022. That first shop became a testing ground for his vision, and the brand continues as a pop-up in the area. Kevin later returned to the Pacific Northwest and created OG POKE.
One Portland Shop, a Growing Ohana
In February 2025, Kevin opened the first OG POKE at 1876 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland, next to Portland State University. It grew quickly, and he brought his niece and her husband into the business to open in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a solid team taking shape, Kevin partnered with friends to bring OG POKE to Eugene, Oregon, which has since become the brand's top-performing location.
Built With Friends and Family
The next opportunity went to someone Kevin considers a nephew, a friend's son who had worked at the Portland shop. Together, they ventured into Salem. Then a friend and customer asked about Beaverton, and Kevin said, "Let's do it." In less than two years, OG POKE grew to four Oregon locations and one in Arizona, with friends and family helping build each one.
Hawaiian Roots, Shared Opportunity
Kevin's goal goes beyond opening poke shops. He wants to help friends and family who dream of owning a business make that dream possible, while building a brand that stays true to his Hawaiian culture and the poke he grew up eating. With plans to expand to Federal Way and Sumner in Washington, and to Southern California, OG POKE is carrying that purpose forward, one shop and one relationship at a time.
