Ryan Ching

Ryan Ching is a Hawaii-based entrepreneur, chef, and social media storyteller who co-founded Ry’s Poke Shack on the North Shore of Oahu in 2021 alongside his wife, Khannie. Originally trained as an architect with a doctorate in architecture from the University of Hawaii, he pivoted to the food industry during the pandemic. His restaurant utilizes a customized, made-to-order preparation method inspired by his grandfather’s traditional techniques. This approach earned the establishment a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Local Businesses in the United States and a featured segment on Netflix’s Street Food: USA series. The business has since expanded outside of Hawaii, opening Southern California locations in Huntington Beach and Pasadena.

This episode covers Ryan’s career transition from architectural design to restaurant ownership and the daily operational philosophy behind his fresh poke service. The conversation details the growth of Ry’s Poke Shack from a single local setup into a multi-state brand, focusing heavily on its expansion into the San Gabriel Valley marketplace. Key topics include leveraging social media platforms to build brand equity, managing supply chains across different regions, and maintaining quality standards while scaling a family business model.

For San Gabriel Valley viewers, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at a business that recently established a local footprint in Pasadena. Ryan’s established audience will gain insight into the business logistics and personal motivation driving the brand’s growth beyond the shores of Oahu. Additionally, individuals searching for information on restaurant expansion strategies, culinary entrepreneurship, or authentic Hawaiian food culture will find clear, practical examples of how a modern brand scales without losing its traditional foundations.

Subscribe to the MySGV Podcast to stay updated on the stories, leaders, and businesses moving into the San Gabriel Valley. If you found this conversation insightful, please share the episode with a friend, neighbor, or fellow food enthusiast.

You can watch this Yelp Top 100 News Feature to see the broadcast coverage of Ryan’s restaurant earning its national business ranking.