Karla Shand, Sushi Sushi general manager – franchise development, takes the Franchise Business Q&A.

How long has the business been trading?

Sushi Sushi has been operating for 25+ years. The first Sushi Sushi store opened in 1998 in Box Hill, Victoria, with the first franchised location following in 2007 at Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough.

What does it cost to buy a franchise?

$300,000 to $400,000 + GST.

What are the core areas of your business?

Sushi Sushi is Australia’s original and most iconic premium sushi franchise brand, specialising in fresh, handcrafted sushi and Japanese-inspired food. We operate through a strong network of franchised and company owned stores, serving customers in shopping centres, high streets, regional locations, and travel hubs nationwide.

Who is a typical customer?

A typical Sushi Sushi customer is health-conscious, time-poor, and looking for a fresh, high-quality meal or snack on the go – from busy professionals to students and families. We’re also expanding our reach by targeting new demographics through innovative menu items, convenient formats like travel centre outlets, and tailored marketing to appeal to younger audiences and culturally diverse communities.

‘Real food. Ready to go.’ encapsulates Sushi Sushi’s ambition to deliver a fresh alternative to conventional quick-service restaurants (QSR) options.

What makes your brand stand out from the competition? 

Sushi Sushi stands out for its commitment to craftsmanship, with all products made fresh daily by skilled sushi artisans using premium, responsibly sourced ingredients. We combine authentic Japanese techniques with strict food safety and hygiene measures, including custom-built fridges that maintain the freshness of our iconic sushi handrolls for up to eight hours, rigorous temperature control, and meticulous handling standards, ensuring every bite is as safe as it is delicious.

Why is this a good business for a franchisee to buy into?

Our franchise model offers a distinct competitive advantage through lower investment requirements, with typical franchise costs between $300,000 and $400,000 +GST – significantly less than many leading QSR brands in Australia.

Coupled with flexible store formats, which allow partners to choose options aligned with their budget and growth plans, this combination of lower upfront costs, simpler operations, and a strong, iconic brand enables franchisees to achieve profitability faster and with reduced financial risk, making Sushi Sushi one of the smartest and most accessible franchise opportunities available.

Which element of franchisee support that you provide do you think is the most well received?

Our hands-on training and onboarding program is one of the most well received elements of franchise partner support, as it equips new owners with the practical skills, operational knowledge, and confidence to run their store successfully from day one. This is reinforced by a thorough franchise recruitment process, ensuring we select the right franchise partners who align with our brand values, and by ongoing field support that keeps franchise partners confident and connected throughout their journey.

How many hours a week does a franchisee typically work?

A Sushi Sushi franchise partner typically works around 40 to 50 hours a week in the early stages, especially when establishing their store and team. Our flexible and scalable model means that, over time, many owners transition to reduced hands-on hours by building strong teams and, in some cases, expanding to operate multiple locations across multiple states.

What drives your growth strategy?

Our growth strategy is location driven and opportunity-led, focusing on sustainable, long-term locations that align with our brand and customer needs. We balance speed to market with measured growth, ensuring each new store is supported by strong franchise partners and the right operational framework for lasting success.

What are your expansion plans for the next five years?

Over the next five years, Sushi Sushi plans to expand strategically across Australia while accelerating growth into key international markets, including New Zealand and Saudi Arabia. We aim to build a strong presence in these regions through franchise partnerships, adapting our proven model to local tastes and opportunities while maintaining our commitment to quality and brand consistency.

Please share one exciting innovation/ development you have planned.

One exciting development is our planned expansion in India through a partnership with FranGlobal, enabling us to leverage their local expertise to rapidly scale the Sushi Sushi brand. This collaboration will help us adapt our offering to Indian tastes while maintaining our high standards, supporting a strong and sustainable market entry.