Christie & Co to support Sushi Shop’s regional UK expansion
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has been solely retained by Sushi Shop, part of the AmRest family, to acquire a number of regional master franchisees across the UK.
Founded in 1998 by Grégory Marciano and Hervé Louis, Sushi Shop is the leading European chain of restaurants for premium sushi, sashimi and other Japanese specialties. The brand has successfully established an international network of company-operated and franchised stores across 12 countries, having been part of AmRest, the leading European multi-brand franchise restaurant group, since 2018.
Built largely on a digital, delivery and takeaway concept, Sushi Shop’s innovative business model has proven remarkably resilient throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, growing by double digits in 2020. The pandemic has driven a rise in delivery and takeaway services, as customers were forced to change their dining habits during lockdowns, which worked in the brand’s favour, and they are now looking to build on this success by expanding in key regional UK cities.
On behalf of the group, Christie & Co is seeking ambitious hospitality operators who would be interested in becoming a multi-site franchisee of this fast-expanding brand. There are four regions where we are seeking new Sushi Shop partners, each of which has the opportunity to open at least 10 sites or more in the coming years. These are London, the Midlands, North of England, and Scotland, all where suitable Trade Zones are ready to get started.
Sushi Shop brand offers opportunity for rapid expansion in towns and cities throughout the UK, especially as with limited hot food options, the stores can operate in A1 (retail) space in most cases. The business itself has high margins with controllable costs, giving exceptional returns. Since Sushi Shop has its London team in place already the set-up, as well as the ongoing support, can be given to incoming franchises at all times.
The acquisition project is being led by Simon Chaplin, senior director of corporate pubs & restaurants in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team. He comments, “We are delighted to be working with AmRest in this exciting project, to help expand the Sushi Shop brand across the UK. Whilst Sushi Shop operates in a niche market, it has a wide appeal by providing a fresh, healthy food option that is well suited to all meal categories, be it lunch, dinner, snack or occasion dining, just right for today’s consumer.”
