Six months after opening at Cargo in Wapping Wharf, Hawaiian-inspired street food business Loki Poké has been shortlisted for a national award.
One of six finalists for the Food and Drink Heroes Street Food Entrepreneur of the Year award, Loki Poké founder Georgia Hussey has been selected from over 700 entries.
From the organisers of Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the awards seeks to support, celebrate and recognise the best of Britain’s food and drink businesses.
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Loki Poké has brought tasty, healthy fast food, and a bit of Hawaii's laid back surf culture, to the Bristol street food scene.
Georgia started the business as a lockdown project, after living on Sydney’s northern beaches, and it quickly grew to her opening a site in St Philips and then launching at Cargo in July.
Loki Poké serves protein-packed rice bowls from a tiny poké bar in a converted shipping container by the harbourside, as well as at events and festivals.
Georgia grew up on a farm outside of Bristol, but had never worked in the food industry before starting her business.
She said: “Poké bowls were hugely popular with the city-surfer crowd in Sydney, so when I moved back to the UK in March 2020, I started Loki Poké as a lockdown project.
“I missed having fresh and healthy fast food, and honestly was just a bit bored over lockdown, so I started selling my own take on the Hawaiian rice bowls once a week from my kitchen, and it grew from there.
“What I've loved most about running a street food business is the instant feedback we get - I love knowing people have enjoyed our food, or tried something they wouldn't normally try.
“I think we've also given people an option for takeaway street food that's healthy, which a lot of people say is a refreshing change, and something they were looking for in Bristol - particularly at the moment, when everyone's feeling so conscious of their health.
“I also love the creativity involved in running a street food business. We are constantly thinking about how we can improve and change our menu, adding new dishes, ingredients, and seasonal menus.”
Francesca James, founder of Food and Drink Heroes, said: “The line-up of finalists is nothing short of impressive. I’m more than pleased to see even more entrepreneurs being given the chance to share their story.
“It’ll be a tough task for the judges to select the winners from such an impressive list of talent, but I have no doubt that this year’s finalists are some of the best businesses we’ve seen yet and will be recognised as such.”
Loki Poké is run by an all-female management team, made up of Georgia, her general Manager Josie Waller and marketing manager Janine Alexander.
Georgia said: “I’m really lucky to have such an amazing team working with me, and the brilliant support of the Wapping Wharf community. I’m incredibly honoured to be up for this award, so thanks to everyone for the support and help in getting us here.”
“I’m incredibly excited for the next year of Loki Poké - this summer you’ll find us at festivals around the UK, and events around Bristol, and of course we’re really looking forward to the summer down at Wapping Wharf!”
The date for the winners to be announced has yet to be confirmed.
