Latest news with #PeterYang
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pokeworks Enters Second Half of 2025 with Strong Franchise Growth and Innovation Focus
Four new openings, multi-unit deals, and upgraded tech fuel momentum for the leading premium poke brand IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pokeworks, the fastest-growing fast-casual poke brand globally, is entering the second half of 2025 with strong performance and steady franchise expansion. So far this year, the brand has opened six new locations, signed new multi-unit development deals, and has 10 more stores slated to open by year's end across California, Massachusetts, Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Pokeworks has further expanded its footprint in Texas with a newly signed agreement that fully sells out the Houston market, solidifying its growing presence in the region. "This momentum reflects the strength of our model and the passion of our franchise partners," said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer. "We're growing strategically in key markets across the country, and we're proud to support our franchisees with the tools and innovation they need to thrive." Innovation + Franchisee Support Driving Growth Pokeworks recently partnered with Qu, a leading provider of cloud-based unified commerce solutions, to upgrade its POS system, enhancing both operational efficiency and the franchisee experience. Among those driving Pokeworks' expansion is New York-based multi-unit franchisee Alvin Zhang, who expressed his enthusiasm for the brand's flexible model and hands-on guidance: "Pokeworks is the sweet spot for multi-unit franchisees. The brand offers strong brand support but still gives you the freedom to tailor each location to your community. They understand how important it is to find the right fit and work with you to make it happen." On the consumer side, the brand is focused on: Growing its loyalty program and membership Expanding add-on innovation to boost order value Completing a full brand refresh in-store and online Launching strategic content partnerships to drive awareness Franchise Development Focus In the second half of 2025, Pokeworks is focused on growing its presence in existing markets by supporting current franchisees, while also awarding new territories to qualified entrepreneurs to drive expansion into key markets nationwide. The Poke category itself is on an upward trajectory, with the global food market valued at approximately $9.3 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double to $16.7 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10%. With record same-store sales, continued guest engagement, and growing demand for healthy fast-casual options, Pokeworks is well-positioned for continued franchise growth through 2025 and beyond. The brand is actively seeking ambitious single and multi-unit operators to join its growing franchise system and bring its fresh, flavorful concept to communities across the U.S. For more information about its franchise opportunities, visit About Pokeworks Pokeworks was founded in 2015 with the simple mission of spreading its love of poke –the crisp, fresh, healthy Hawaiian favorite – with the world. Pokeworks' innovative Poke Your Way® approach is groundbreaking, offering guests over 50,000 ways to customize their poke order to match their eating preferences including vegan, gluten-free, and other mindful diets. The Poke Burrito has developed a cult-like following, much like Pokeworks' proprietary sauces, which range from sweet and spicy to savory. Pokeworks believes in supporting a healthy lifestyle and serving guests meals made from the freshest, highest quality ingredients from sustainable food sources. In 2022, the brand was honored to be named the "Top Poke Franchise" by Startups Magazine. Pokeworks has quickly expanded to become the leading fast-casual poke brand in the world with six consecutive years on Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" list. The brand has 72 locations across 20 states, Taiwan, and Canada. For more information, visit or follow Pokeworks on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. * Disclaimer:This information is not intended as an offer to sell a franchise. Any financial performance data referenced is for illustrative purposes only. An offer can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Actual results may vary. Please refer to our Item 19 for full details. The financial performance data referenced in this release, including same-store sales growth and individual franchisee performance, are provided for informational purposes only and do not represent a guarantee of future results. Actual results will vary and are dependent on numerous factors including, but not limited to, location, operational experience, local market conditions, and the level of effort by individual franchisees. Pokeworks does not make any representations or guarantees regarding individual earnings or profitability. Prospective franchisees should review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with their financial and legal advisors before making any investment decision. Contact: Elise Fricilone | Franchise Elevator PR | efricilone@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pokeworks
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Studio Ghibli memes flood the internet sfter OpenAI's new ChatGPT image tool goes viral
Studio Ghibli, meet meme culture. The internet is having a field day after OpenAI released a powerful new image generation tool for ChatGPT—one that users are using almost exclusively to create Studio Ghibli-style versions of iconic pop culture moments and memes. From a melancholic Ben Affleck puffing on a cigarette to Real Housewives drama and even political moments like JD Vance in anime form, everything is getting the Ghibli treatment. The images are generated using OpenAI's new GPT-4o model, which the company described as '[their] most advanced image generator yet into GPT‑4o. The result—image generation that is not only beautiful, but useful.' Still, as many users pointed out, the tool's usefulness is up for debate. One user sarcastically asked, 'Do you think Studio Ghibli memes are stupid?' while another joked, 'I am once again asking you to share more Studio Ghibli memes.' Yet another user quipped, 'Me waiting for a Ghibli prompt to finally work between timed-out requests and system errors,' with a meme showing pure exhaustion. Do you think studio ghibli memes are stupid? — meme bastard (@mask_bastard) March 26, 2025 ChatGPT when another Studio Ghibli request comes in — Justine Moore (@venturetwins) March 26, 2025 The memes have flooded timelines over the past 48 hours. One user declared, 'It's been 24 hours since OpenAI unexpectedly shook the AI image world with 4o image generation,' before dropping '14 of the most mindblowing examples so far (100% AI-generated).' It's been 24 hours since OpenAI unexpectedly shook the AI image world with 4o image generation. Here are the 14 most mindblowing examples so far (100% AI-generated): 1. Studio ghibli style — Barsee 🐶 (@heyBarsee) March 26, 2025 Meanwhile, others are taking it even further—recreating infamous historical events in Ghibli style. From the JFK assassination to Elon Musk flashing his belly at a Trump rally, users are clearly pushing the boundaries of taste and creativity. 'Studio Ghibli was crazy for doing this,' one post joked alongside a controversial anime recreation. Ok I think I'm in love with ChatGPT's new image editing feature. Can turn all my family photos into Ghibli portraits. — Peter Yang (@petergyang) March 26, 2025 studio ghibli's jd vance — Kamil Nicieja (@kamil) March 26, 2025 Ok I think I'm in love with ChatGPT's new image editing feature. Can turn all my family photos into Ghibli portraits. — Peter Yang (@petergyang) March 26, 2025 The internet's obsession with the trend even led to Ghibli-style recreations of viral TikTok routines, including the now-iconic 'Saratoga Water' video. One meme read: 'Memelords after a long 48 hours of Saratoga water and Studio Ghibli memes,' paired with a dazed anime character slumped over. saratoga water guy in the style of studio ghibli — sai (@heysaik) March 26, 2025 A meme within a meme within a meme. Studio Ghibli has never looked this good. Thank you OAI. — A T Wilkinson (@atwilkinson_) March 26, 2025 But not everyone is thrilled. Back in 2016, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki criticized AI animation harshly, saying, 'I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.' He went so far as to call it 'an insult to life itself.' Now, users are questioning whether OpenAI used Ghibli works in training the model without permission, raising potential legal issues. As one post dryly stated: 'There has officially been so many Studio Ghibli memes on people's social media timelines that users are now posting memes about the OpenAI bot being 'over' the whole trend.' Still, it's clear that fans are enjoying the ride—for now. Whether OpenAI faces backlash for artistic appropriation or copyright concerns remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Ghibli-meme machine is showing no signs of slowing down.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
California man pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of Missouri teen
FRESNO, Calif. – A Fresno, California, man appeared in federal court on Monday and admitted engaging in sexually-explicit conversation with a Missouri teen, and discussing a possible sexual encounter in the victim's hometown. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California said Peter Yang, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Missouri plans to seize assets to make China pay a $24.5 billion judgment, but can it collect? According to court documents, between November 2021 and March 2022, Yang communicated with a 15-year-old from Christian County, Missouri, on the gaming platform 'Among Us.' Those conversations eventually moved to the Discord app and to FaceTime calls. Yang admitted to coercing the teen to take sexually-explicit photos of themselves and send those pictures to him. Prosecutors said Yang also discussed traveling to southwest Missouri to meet the victim in person at a motel near the teen's home. Yang will be sentenced on July 14. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
