1998
2500
$26,849
$7,500
$136,829
No
If you’re looking to invest in a franchise that blends convenience, freshness, and a rising consumer appetite for sushi, the Hissho Sushi brand offers a compelling opportunity. Hissho Sushi has carved out a strong niche in the American food-service market by delivering restaurant-style sushi in high-traffic, non-traditional environments such as grocery stores, airports, universities, hospitals, and retail centers. Their promise of fresh daily sushi, responsibly-sourced seafood, expert sushi chefs, and multiple distribution channels makes them stand out.
As consumers become more health-conscious and crave globally inspired cuisine, Hissho Sushi is well-positioned to meet this demand. You’re not just investing in a sushi bar but in a concept that provides high-quality, quick, and premium fare in accessible locations. For entrepreneurs seeking to enter the food-service industry with a proven, scalable model, this franchise offers an attractive path.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Proven Concept & Large Footprint: Hissho Sushi has expanded to thousands of outlets across multiple channels, demonstrating consistent growth and profitability.
Strong Differentiation: The brand focuses on freshly prepared sushi crafted by trained chefs using responsibly sourced seafood.
Multiple Channels: Hissho Sushi operates in diverse formats—supermarkets, airports, universities, and retail venues—offering flexibility and stability.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance, minimizing risk.
Growing Market: The U.S. sushi and Asian food segment continues to expand as consumers seek healthier, ready-to-eat meals.
Lifestyle Appeal: Ideal for investors looking for an organized business model with strong brand standards and ongoing support.
Hissho Sushi is one of America’s leading providers of freshly prepared sushi in non-traditional food service environments, with a story that embodies entrepreneurial grit and culinary innovation.
Founded / Ownership:
Hissho Sushi was founded in 1998 by Philip Maung, an immigrant entrepreneur who came to the United States from Burma (now Myanmar) with a dream of building a better life. Starting from humble beginnings in his Charlotte, North Carolina apartment, Maung and his wife began hand-rolling sushi and selling it to local grocery stores. His vision was simple yet powerful — to make fresh, high-quality sushi accessible to everyone, not just restaurant diners.
Brand Journey:
From those early days, Hissho Sushi has evolved into one of the largest sushi providers in the United States. The brand’s growth was fueled by a commitment to freshness, innovation, and operational excellence. By focusing on high-traffic retail locations such as grocery stores, airports, universities, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias, Hissho was able to bring sushi to the mainstream American consumer.
In 2017, the brand’s strategic focus expanded under the leadership of new management and investment partners, which further strengthened its market position and supply chain. Hissho continued to innovate by introducing new product lines, like poke bowls, Asian hot food bars, and fusion sushi creations that cater to diverse tastes.
Headquarters & Market Presence:
The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and operates in more than 2,500 locations across 44 states, making it one of the most widely distributed sushi brands in the country. You’ll find Hissho kiosks and sushi bars in grocery chains, convenience stores, and airport terminals nationwide.
Industry Category:
Hissho Sushi belongs to the Quick Service and Grab-and-Go Restaurant segment of the food and beverage industry, specializing in sushi and Asian-inspired cuisine. The brand combines the convenience of fast service with the quality and artistry of a traditional sushi restaurant, creating a modern hybrid model that fits today’s on-the-go lifestyle.
Company Mission & Values:
At its core, Hissho Sushi’s mission is to deliver “fresh, responsible, and inspired food” to customers every day. The company emphasizes:
Freshness: All sushi is prepared daily by trained chefs on-site.
Sustainability: The brand is committed to responsibly sourced seafood and eco-friendly packaging.
Innovation: Constant menu development and new product introductions keep the offerings exciting.
Community & Culture: Hissho promotes inclusivity, diversity, and a strong family-like culture among franchisees, employees, and partners.
Awards & Recognition:
Over the years, Hissho Sushi has been recognized for its quality, innovation, and strong franchise model. It has been featured among leading food service brands for its creative sushi concepts and its ability to merge Asian cuisine with American retail convenience.
Current Status:
Today, Hissho Sushi continues to expand its footprint across the U.S., introducing new formats such as the Hissho Sushi & Craft Beer Bar, blending fresh sushi with premium beverage offerings to enhance customer experience. The brand’s consistent performance, strong supply chain, and franchise support systems have made it a trusted name in the food-service industry and an appealing investment opportunity for entrepreneurs nationwide.
Hissho Sushi provides a complete support ecosystem to ensure franchisees launch and run their businesses successfully.
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, design, equipment layout, licensing, and pre-opening coordination.
Training: Franchisees attend the “Hissho University” program, which includes in-depth training on sushi preparation, operations, customer service, and sales techniques. Sushi bar training typically lasts around 10 days, while full food bar training may extend up to 15 days.
Operational Support: Continuous field support, on-site guidance, operational manuals, and digital resources for efficient management.
Marketing Assistance: Access to national and local marketing campaigns, branded packaging, promotional materials, and digital strategy support.
Supply Chain & Procurement: Franchisees benefit from established supplier relationships for seafood, ingredients, and packaging.
Innovation & Menu Development: Regular introduction of new sushi rolls, sauces, and seasonal offerings to stay ahead of culinary trends.
Community & Culture: A collaborative network of franchisees and corporate partners creates a supportive business community.
Hissho Sushi seeks motivated entrepreneurs who are eager to grow within a structured system and share a passion for quality food.
Business Background: Prior restaurant experience helps but is not mandatory. The key requirement is a commitment to following the proven system and maintaining operational standards.
Customer Focus: A genuine appreciation for quality food, attention to presentation, and exceptional customer service.
Financial Capability: The ideal franchisee has sufficient capital to invest and maintain operations through the ramp-up period.
Location Preference: Franchisees should be open to operating in diverse environments such as grocery stores, airports, universities, or food courts with high customer traffic.
Management Skills: Strong leadership, hiring, and team management abilities are essential.
Growth Orientation: Ideal candidates are those seeking long-term expansion through multi-unit ownership or regional development opportunities.
Below is a clear and detailed financial breakdown chart outlining the estimated investment, fees, and potential earning structure for owning a Hissho Sushi franchise in the United States. These figures are based on recent franchise disclosure data and industry research. Actual costs may vary depending on location, store size, and operational format.
| Category | Low Estimate (USD) | High Estimate (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $7,500 | $7,500 | One-time initial franchise fee to join the Hissho Sushi network. |
| Initial Investment (Total Range) | $26,849 | $136,829 | Includes construction, equipment, training, and initial working capital. Larger setups (airports, full food bars) may exceed $200,000. |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Costs | $10,000 | $60,000 | Covers sushi bar setup, refrigeration, POS system, signage, and design customization. |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $2,000 | $5,000 | Includes fresh ingredients, packaging, uniforms, and cleaning materials. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $3,000 | $25,000 | Costs depend on store type (kiosk, in-store, or stand-alone unit). |
| Training Expenses | $1,000 | $3,000 | Travel and lodging during initial Hissho University training sessions. |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | $2,500 | $10,000 | Recommended for initial advertising, promotions, and local awareness campaigns. |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $5,000 | $20,000 | Funds to cover payroll, rent, and operational expenses before reaching break-even. |
| Royalty Fee | 8% of Gross Sales | — | Ongoing fee paid monthly based on total revenue. |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales | — | Contributes to national and regional advertising and brand campaigns. |
| Minimum Net Worth Requirement | $250,000 | — | Minimum financial qualification for approval. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Requirement | $100,000 | — | Minimum available cash required to open a Hissho Sushi franchise. |
| Average ROI (Industry Estimate) | 15% | 25% | Estimated return varies based on sales volume, labor costs, and efficiency. |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 12 Months | 24 Months | Average time to reach profitability depending on foot traffic and management. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | — | — | Sushi bar sales, catering, poke bowls, hot food bars, and beer bar concept add-ons. |
