Iro Sushi to open 10 new UK sites under expanded growth plan

Iro Sushi plans to open at least 10 new UK locations in the next year as part of a wider rollout aimed at scaling the business to 100 sites by 2030.

The company, founded in 2014, operates more than 30 quick-service outlets nationwide and has expanded quickly since moving into franchising in 2019. It has opened over 20 sites since August 2023 and reported system sales of about £16m in the year to March 2025, a 56% increase on the previous year.

The latest agreements include two outlets in Woking and Tunbridge Wells, which are due to open before Christmas. The company said the additions would extend its reach into new areas and support further growth.

Iro Sushi sources seafood from Norway and imports sauces and toppings from Japan. The business intends to build its UK presence while exploring opportunities in Europe and the Middle East as demand for premium sushi options continues to grow.

Recent internal changes have included a rebrand, new operational practices and updated franchising guidelines. The company said these measures were intended to standardise processes as the network expands.

Chhong Sherpa, founder and chief executive, said: “At Iro Sushi, we are on a mission to bring restaurant quality sushi to the masses. For too long, consumers have been getting shortchanged with inferior, tasteless sushi that uses cheap and unsustainable seafood. We want to change this with our menu of truly authentic, premium and restaurant quality sushi served at affordable prices.

“We believe our offer plays into the heart of major consumer trends. Consumers today want quick, protein rich meals that make them feel good, which has fuelled our rapid expansion with 20 openings in the last 18 months. Now, as we look to the next chapter with our evolved brand, we are looking for ambitious franchisees keen to scale with us and bring premium restaurant quality sushi to all.”