WALLINGFORD — On a recent warm, sunny afternoon, Gerry and Dawn Demery were looking for a specific kind of Boba Tea and stumbled across Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke on Route 5.

Although the Wallingford residents weren’t able to get a tea, they stayed long enough to enjoy the Pokemoto Hawaiian cuisine, which is new to town. 

“Everything was great,” Gerry Demery said. “You only have what you want in it so you know you’ll like it.”

 Pokemoto offers vegetarian and vegan alternatives and gluten and nut free options. The menu is customizable with options to create your own bowl, wrap or salad, allowing customers to choose their protein, condiments and toppings.

Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke has almost a dozen locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Georgia. The Wallingford restaurant opened in April and, according to the company website, more locations are expected in Manchester and Glastonbury.

 Poke is diced raw fish. It is one of the main dishes in Northern Hawaiian cuisine. 

“Because of the previous locations, people already knew of our popularity,” owner Lisa Bok said. “We haven’t had any issues getting new customers because the best advertisement is word of mouth.”

Becca Page, a Wallingford resident, learned of Pokemoto when it opened. 

“I like a little bit of everything,” she said. “I’m a big fan.” 

The Demerys will soon be able to enjoy the boba tea they wanted. Bok said “Loose Leaf” will be making its Wallingford debut in just a few weeks. 

“Loose Leaf is a natural boba tea company shop,” Bok said. “We’re going to be making culturally inspired drinks: boba, coffee and smoothie.”

The Loose Leaf shop, which will be located in Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke in Wallingford, will be the second in Connecticut. The first opened in New Haven. 

“...everything is house made,” Bok said. “We use all locally sourced, organic ingredients.” 

Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke, 1094 N. Colony Road, Wallingford, is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.  

fwilliams@record-journal.com203-317-2373Twitter: @faith_williams2