Folktale Wine Group takes over The Poke Lab in downtown Monterey.

For almost a month now, The Poke Lab has been dark, with social media buzzing about whether the popular poke spot had sailed off into the sunset. But news broke this week that the shop is indeed reopening: A post on Instagram announces the lab has “Gone Fishing,” promising to reopen on Monday, Jan. 28 with “some seriously fresh Fish.”

Take note of that capital letter. By “Fish”—it means chef Todd Fisher and the team behind Folktale Winery and Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse. The Folktale Wine Group has taken over the Monterey restaurant.

“I’m excited about all the things that we can do. I’ve got a bunch of things up my sleeve,” says Fisher, his face brimming with his signature smile. “Look for some cool and fun stuff from me, Danny [Leach, Folktale Winery’s chef de cuisine] and our partners,” he teases.

Eventually, Fisher envisions this space as a true lab—an incubator to experiment with new culinary concepts.

“We want there to be a big element of surprise and spontaneity here,” he emphasizes.

During the expanded holiday closure, The Poke Lab founder and owner Joey Nguyen was working to secure new management for the shop after the departure of chef James Anderson last fall. Ultimately, that became the Folktale team.

“I’m passing the torch to a group that can continue on what I started. The Poke Lab was a pioneering project. I’m happy it will live on with friends who can continue to grow it and evolve the culinary community here in Monterey County,” says Nguyen.

For now, Fisher says the focus will remain Hawaii’s iconic dish of raw fish. The experience will be largely same, with casual counter service, ordering via the app and UberEats, and the same hours (11am-3pm, closed Sundays). Expect to see many familiar faces too—the Folktale team is keeping current management, kitchen and front of house staff.

Fisher promises to keep The Poke Lab focused on fresh fish. The lab will remain a Seafood Watch partner and the only poke spot in town serving solely sustainable seafood.

The notice that they’ve “gone fishing” is more than cheeky wordplay: Fisher hopes to source local fish with Out to Sea dive and fishing charter company—a quiet addition to the winery’s portfolio late last year.

“We’re slowly building it up, we’ve already added some fresh local fish to the menu at the winery. We’re looking to have access to local fish all the time,” he explains.

The downtown Monterey shop has a large kitchen and both Fisher and Folktale Winery’s Chef de Cuisine Danny Leach are looking forward to making use of these accommodations. They’re also looking to resurrect The Poke Lab’s food truck and perhaps host pop-up dinners in the evenings.

Follow @thepokelab on Instagram for the latest news as the Folktale team take over.

With the debuts of Alta Bakery + Cafe, Cult Taco and Sur Burger looming this year, and now Fisher and Folktale taking over The Poke Lab, Alvarado Street will be home to serious hospitality heavyweights.