Exclusive interview with Raheel Choudhary, Co-Founder of The Sushi Co
Raheel Choudhary, Co-Founder of The Sushi Co talks about the growing sushi market and the excitement about the brand’s live sushi kitchens. He also discusses how the experienced team at the Sushi Co have worked to refine their business model over the years and have invested in the tools needed to maximise profitability and ROI for franchisees.
Tell us a bit about yourself
As one Papa Johns’ biggest franchisees for 20 years, I previously ran 61 franchised pizza outlets in the UK. In 2021 I sold my business with no immediate future plans however, I soon was itching to look for a brand new venture in a non-competitive space. Sushi beckoned as a trending, growing sector.
We did a lot of research and realised we could do better than any existing sushi brand, to create a developed franchised opportunity that offered a refined and proven business model with excellent ROI. Five years ago I had never really tried sushi, now I’m a sushi convert! I now bring my QSR experience forwards for the benefit of new franchisees to help them maximise their own business profitability.
Apart from my life in The Sushi Co, I love to spend time with my family and help around the community. In terms of recreational activities, I thoroughly enjoy five aside football so if you’re a footballer it’s definitely plus point!
Can you tell us about The Sushi Co
The Sushi Co was established in 2020, and we began franchising in 2022. We now have 20 sites open and successfully trading in London and beyond. As The Sushi Co continues to increase the number of our live sushi kitchens on high streets around the country, we’re looking for people to join our journey and realise the potential of giving all the sushi lovers out there a different option when it comes to satisfying their sushi craving.
Our team are all very experienced QSR franchisees or managers and because we really understand what resources and support franchisees need to be successful, we have spent several years refining our business model. We now have a tried and tested franchise offering for investors to maximise the profitability of their own restaurants. The sushi market is growing and we are currently welcoming new investors to help us meet customer demand.
Who is your target market?
Sushi is for everyone. It’s a fresh, healthier choice which appeals to a wide range of people. In the past sushi has been confined to expensive restaurants but we are taking it mainstream with affordable options for customer to dine in, take away or enjoy a delivery at home. Our live sushi kitchens are incredibly popular. We have made them feel vibey, welcoming and stylish and customers keep coming back for more.
Our data shows a growing market segment for females aged between 18-40 who love our sushi. Our vegetarian and vegan choices are also popular. However, we want to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring our delicious flavours are available for everyone to enjoy.
Why is The Sushi Co a great investment for potential franchisees?
We have spent many months refining our franchise offer and propose competitive fees, a low initial franchise fee, the fully tested business model delivering strong cashflows plus an industry leading ROI to take The Sushi Co nationwide. Investors can be confident in the support of The Sushi Co’s experienced team and can now leverage the meticulous work that has gone into creating in this exciting franchise opportunity.
What differentiates The Sushi Co from the competition?
Our live sushi kitchens prepare all orders fresh, whether customers choose to dine in, take away, or have their meal delivered. Since launch, our offering has met with unprecedented demand and so we are now inviting new franchisees to join our us to run their own profitable Sushi Co restaurants.
The team at Sushi Co possesses extensive experience in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector. We have a thorough understanding of the needs of franchisees and the tools and support required for their success. We ensure that franchisees are fully equipped and supported to maximize their potential to operate a highly profitable business. With the sushi market experiencing growth, we are currently welcoming new franchisees to invest in our proven business model to help us meet customer demand.
What is the role of one of your franchisees?
Franchisees will manage and run their own Sushi Co restaurants with the help of their team. The role is varied and means overseeing all operations connected with running the operation. There are opportunities for multi-unit franchisees too and so experience in business and managing a team is essential.
What qualities do you look for in a franchisee?
We are looking for franchisees who are as excited about running a thriving sushi business as we are. They will be enthusiastic, energetic and have a business background with excellent communication and management skills. While we provide all the tools and training to learn the sushi trade, our successful franchisees will be able to deliver great product and service consistently. While QSR experience is preferred, anyone with the right business background and approach to customer service will be able to succeed with our support.
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Refining our supply chain has taken time. Originally we were using eight or nine suppliers. Now we have worked all of them for a few years, we have been able to rationalise and get this down to three main suppliers. This means it is easy for franchisees and staff to order, so they can focus better on running their restaurants.
What have been The Sushi Co’s biggest achievements to date?
The delivery platforms take a percentage of sales and so we have focused on encouraging customers to come directly to us. This ensures greater profitability for our franchisees. To achieve this, we have invested in our IT infrastructure with the design of our own platform which features integrated web and app ordering.
The increased customer engagement directly with our stores is managed centrally through targeted marketing. We use GDPR compliant text and emails to promote offers at certain times – for example if there is great weekend weather we can promote popular dishes suited for outside dining at home. The ease of campaign execution and resulting impact on sales has proved our investment has been worthwhile.
What does the future hold for The Sushi Co?
There is much room for growth in this market and we will have 30 stores open by the end of 2025. We currently have two in build with a further four going through legals, so we are right on target. By 2027, our goal is to open 50 sites in the UK.
What expansion plans have you got nationally and internationally?
While we are focused nationally, if the right operator approached us with a good proposition, we would not rule out international expansion.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
We’ve learned a lot over the past few years. Sometimes you have to make mistakes to become better. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Our franchisees now benefit from our learnings and the work we have put in to maximise their ROI in this exciting and expanding market.
Interested and want to know more about The Sushi Co?
The The Sushi Co profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
