1986
4000
$39,339
$35,000
$236,939
No
Advanced Fresh Concepts (AFC) Franchise Corp. stands as the premier North American franchisor of supermarket-based food service counters, specializing in freshly prepared sushi and Asian cuisine. Since its inception in 1986, AFC has revolutionized the grocery shopping experience by introducing high-quality, ready-to-eat sushi bars within supermarkets. With over 4,000 independently owned and operated locations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, AFC has become synonymous with convenience, quality, and innovation in the food service industry.
Proven Business Model: AFC's supermarket-based sushi counters have a track record of success, offering franchisees a low-risk entry into the food service industry.
High Consumer Demand: The growing preference for fresh, convenient, and healthy meal options positions AFC to capitalize on current food trends.
Comprehensive Support: AFC provides extensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success, including operational, marketing, and academic assistance.
Established Brand Reputation: With decades of experience and a strong presence in the market, AFC is a trusted name in the industry.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Franchisees can benefit from multiple revenue channels, including in-store sales, catering, and special events.
Scalability: The flexible business model allows for expansion into various retail environments, including grocery stores, universities, and more.
Established Year:
AFC (Advanced Fresh Concepts) was founded in 1986.
The company has more than three decades of experience in the food service industry, giving it a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.
Franchise Units:
AFC operates over 4,000 locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The vast network shows a proven business model and a scalable concept suitable for franchisees.
Founders:
The company was founded by Ryuuji Ishii, whose vision was to create fresh, high-quality sushi accessible in supermarkets and retail locations.
Under his leadership, AFC became a pioneer in supermarket sushi counters.
Brand Journey & Company History:
AFC revolutionized the way consumers access sushi by integrating fully operational sushi bars inside grocery stores.
The brand started small but expanded rapidly due to its fresh food quality, convenience, and innovative operational model.
It now dominates the supermarket sushi franchise segment in North America.
Ownership:
AFC is privately held, allowing it to make strategic decisions quickly and maintain consistent quality and brand standards across all franchise locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
AFC Sushi has an extensive presence in major supermarket chains and retail outlets across the USA.
Its widespread locations make it a familiar and trusted brand among consumers.
Industry Category:
AFC operates in the food service and franchising industry, specifically focusing on freshly prepared sushi and Asian cuisine within retail and supermarket environments.
This positions it at the intersection of fast-casual dining, retail food service, and franchise business opportunities.
Before opening, AFC assists franchisees with all critical steps to set up a smooth operation:
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance in choosing the best location based on traffic, demographics, and store compatibility.
Lease Negotiation Support: Expert advice on negotiating rental agreements to secure favorable terms.
Store Design & Setup: Assistance with layout, equipment selection, and store setup to meet AFC’s operational standards.
Supplier & Inventory Guidance: Access to approved suppliers for fresh ingredients, equipment, and packaging.
Franchisees undergo a comprehensive training program that covers every operational aspect:
Operational Procedures: Hands-on training in sushi preparation, food safety, storage, and inventory management.
Customer Service Standards: Training to deliver a consistent, high-quality customer experience.
Staff Training: Guidance on hiring, training, and managing in-store staff efficiently.
Technology & POS Systems: Instruction on using AFC’s point-of-sale and management software.
Typical initial training duration: 10 days, often conducted at a corporate training center or an established franchise location.
AFC helps franchisees attract and retain customers through:
Local Marketing Guidance: Customized marketing plans for the franchisee’s location.
National Brand Campaigns: Support through ongoing advertising, digital marketing, and social media initiatives.
Promotional Materials: Access to professionally designed templates for flyers, posters, social media posts, and in-store signage.
After launch, AFC continues to support franchisees to maximize business performance:
Operational Assistance: Regular visits from field consultants to monitor quality, sales performance, and operational efficiency.
Troubleshooting & Advice: Guidance on challenges such as staffing, inventory, or customer service issues.
Updates & Improvements: Access to updated procedures, recipes, and operational innovations to stay competitive.
Academic Resources: Training manuals, webinars, and online courses to enhance skills and knowledge.
AFC ensures franchisees can grow their business and maintain profitability through:
Expansion Guidance: Support for opening additional units in the same region.
Franchisee Community: Networking with other franchise owners to share best practices and strategies.
Performance Analytics: Assistance in analyzing sales, cost management, and profit margins for business optimization.
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
The ideal franchisee is someone who wants to own and operate their own business while leveraging the support of a proven franchise system.
They are proactive, motivated, and committed to growing a profitable operation.
Passion for Food & Customer Service:
A strong interest in the food service industry, particularly fresh sushi and Asian cuisine, is essential.
Franchisees should be customer-focused, ensuring high-quality service and a memorable consumer experience, which is central to AFC’s brand promise.
Business Background & Skills:
While prior experience in the food industry is beneficial, it is not strictly required.
Franchisees with skills in management, marketing, operations, or retail can adapt quickly to the AFC system.
Strong organizational and leadership abilities help in managing staff, inventory, and daily operations efficiently.
Financial Capability:
Ideal candidates must have the financial resources to invest in the franchise (initial investment ranges from ~$39,000 to ~$237,000).
They should be able to cover the franchise fee, infrastructure setup, working capital, and marketing budget.
Being financially stable ensures the franchisee can sustain operations until the business reaches profitability.
Location & Market Awareness:
Franchisees should have a preference for high-traffic retail environments, such as supermarkets, grocery stores, universities, or urban shopping areas.
They need to understand the local market demand for fresh, convenient, and healthy food options.
Commitment to Brand Standards:
AFC maintains strict quality and operational standards to ensure consistency across all locations.
The ideal franchisee is committed to following these systems while maintaining brand integrity and customer trust.
Long-Term Vision:
AFC seeks franchisees who are interested in growing their business over the long term, potentially expanding to multiple locations.
They should be ready to adapt to market trends, embrace technology, and continually improve operations.
The total investment to start an AFC Sushi franchise ranges from $39,339 to $236,939.
This range depends on factors like store size, location, and whether it’s a new setup or a conversion of an existing space.
The minimum amount required to invest in an AFC Sushi franchise is approximately $39,339.
This allows new franchisees to enter the business with relatively low initial capital compared to other food franchises.
The initial franchise fee is $35,000.
This fee grants the franchisee the rights to operate under the AFC brand and access the company’s proven systems, training, and ongoing support.
Costs vary depending on the location, size, and equipment needed.
Includes construction, counters, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, and initial inventory.
Franchisees are required to invest in marketing for local promotions, store openings, and community engagement.
AFC provides guidance on the marketing spend and supplies ready-to-use marketing materials.
Estimated working capital is required to cover initial operational expenses, including payroll, supplies, and day-to-day operations until revenue stabilizes.
AFC charges a royalty fee of approximately 7% of gross sales.
This fee covers ongoing support, brand use, and operational guidance.
ROI varies based on location, operational efficiency, and local market demand.
Franchisees typically achieve profitability within 12–24 months, depending on store performance.
The average break-even period is 12 to 24 months, allowing investors to recoup their initial investment while growing their business.
In-store sales: Daily sushi and food counter sales within supermarkets.
Catering services: Customized sushi platters for events, parties, and corporate clients.
Special events & promotions: Seasonal promotions, meal combos, or community events.
Retail partnerships: Selling sushi and ready-to-eat products to other stores or specialty outlets.
