MILAN, ITALY: Innovative RFK (i-RFK, an investment holding company that invests mainly in innovative start-ups and innovative SMEs, has agreed to acquire 10% stake with a call option for a further 8% to be exercised by 2023, in the share capital of Zuclem, owner of the “PokeScuse” brand.
The operation shall be functional to the further expansion of the poke bars of the chain, already present with over 30 points of sale on the national territory.
The innovative startup Zuclem, founded in 2019, is today one of the main chains in the sector and it is preparing to close the 2021 financial year with 30 direct and franchised stores, an aggregate turnover of over € 10 million, a growth of more than 600% compared to 2020 and a margin per store of over 20%.
Company has also developed an innovative management software for the coordination and operational optimization of the various points of sale.
“We are excited to become a partner of a reality like Pokescuse,” says Antonello Carlucci, CEO of i-RFK- a company that is defining a new way of doing catering, through a modern, innovative and healthy approach to the world of food.
We also appreciated the energy and experience of the team of entrepreneurs who implemented and managed the opening of 30 new stores on the national territory in less than 2 years. We are therefore very pleased to support the growth and to accompany the Company in the further development of the coming years”.
Nicolò Zuanon and Christopher Clementi, founders and CEO of Zuclem S.r.l. declare: “We are thrilled to be considered among the leading poke bowl chains in Europe. Thanks also to the help of Innovative – RFK S.p.A. we will consolidate an important development throughout 2022 and we will continue to export our street-fast food philosophy abroad”.
Alfredo Mancin, head of development of Zuclem srl declares: “After understanding where the pokescuse brand could be positioned on the market, it was not difficult to outline the strategy to be put into practice – a mix of locations in secondary cities and in the most important historic centers – also taking a look at the shopping centers in which it was interesting to be present.
The development so far has been exponential throughout Northern Italy, with a particular focus on Veneto, Friuli and Lombardy. In 2022 we will continue to open further stores in other regions, respecting our strategies and facing increasingly fierce competition”.
Leave a Reply