20/01/2025
I know - pretty intense opening like a documentary of the falling of a big 100 year old corporation :) I like to capture the intensity. ☺️ Those who are not interested with this topic can jump straight to the last paragraph :)
Anyways, I’ve gotten a few questions on what happened that lead to the closure; I’ll try to keep it sweet and simple. Anyone needing more specifics feel free to reach out using any of the channels above in the bio.
So, here it goes; left my well positioned corporate job based in Paris. Resigned came back to start Poke-so there’re 4 main factors that affected:
1) Launch was Jan 10th - never would I expected a pandemic. Did not put into consideration external factors that you have no control over. Feb sales exploded to the point I had to close early multiple days due to capacity. Covid hit mid March-had to shut down 2 months due to internal reasons which of course affected my budgeting
2) struggled many months-took a wrong decision opening in a wrong location in Sahel. Quit, gathered everything, back to Cairo.
3) Ukraine-Russia war. Affected all business. Very important ingredients I export-Seaweed salad not being available was a disaster. Amount of customers we lost because of this was hard and I don’t blame them-it’s a beautiful taste of magic.
4) Multiple devaluations in ‘22 ‘23. There was no control anymore. Wake up with the news Kilo of Salmon increased by nearly 80%! The hell do I do now lol. Most selling ingredient.
Which eventually lead me to some personal health issues, and closure.
Besides all that, I’m confused as much as you are probably - restaurant account turned stories and different topics. I’m trying to figure it out myself. What I do know for sure; is that I lived most my life trying to fill a void that lead me to try many different areas finding where I fit - and for the first time I feel giving back, creating a space, a likeminded community who achieved or on the path of achieving a successful and healthy lifestyle. Or those who hitting speed bumps/ struggling. I feel ya. We could all learn from each other.
Would love to hear your feedback. Your buddy, Omar
