British Export, Japanese Flair

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- YO!Sushi, which started the sushi revolution in London in 1997, introducing the concept of a Japanese "kaiten" sushi bar that gave customers instant access to sushi and other Japanese favorites via a conveyor belt, is coming to the U.S.

YO!Sushi quickly became the most famous sushi brand in the United Kingdom and has grown to more than 50 company-owned UK restaurants and more than a dozen franchised locations in Ireland, Russia and the Middle East.

The company is entering the U.S. market through an area development program spearheaded by Franchise Dynamics, the nation's first full-service franchise sales outsourcing firm, seeking experienced restaurant operators and multi-brand companies to operate five to 10 restaurants within designated markets, including Las Vegas where the company is in talks with a number of casinos on the strip. A Las Vegas location is expected to open in mid-2011. Additional U.S. markets targeted for expansion include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Ore., Seattle and Washington D.C.

Projections call for development agreements for five restaurants to be in place by May 2011 and a total of 45 commitments signed by the end of 2013, including five to 10 locations open and operating in the U.S.

YO!Sushi CEO Robin Rowland said factors like reasonable build-out cost, a flexible footprint, exceptional food margins and lack of direct competition should appeal to investors in the U.S. marketplace.

"Entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators are looking at new concepts that are 'lighter' and lower on investment," Rowland said. "A national survey in the UK named YO!Sushi the healthiest fast-casual dining chain. Americans want healthier choices and we believe this is a great time to take advantage of the sushi sector."

YO!Sushi's managers and chefs refer to the model as the "easiest restaurant you'll ever run." Instead of worrying about ticket times, food is constantly prepped and placed on the conveyor to keep up with demand and customer choices. Kitchen equipment is light compared to average lines. Strong operational systems and a proprietary epos system help manage production and control waste.

A YO!Sushi board member will be solely responsible for U.S. franchisee support and the same UK team dedicated to restaurant openings will oversee openings in the U.S.

For information on buying a franchise, contact David Gonzalez at 214-440-4945 or visit www.yosushi.com.

SOURCE YO!Sushi