Wasabi
Reporting on growth strategy, menu development, and operational performance at a UK-based quick-service brand specialising in sushi and hot Asian food-to-go. This section covers site openings, leadership updates, digital ordering, and F&B innovation, providing insight for operators and hospitality professionals tracking value-led, convenience-focused dining formats and the evolving role of grab-and-go in urban foodservice.
-
Nov- 2025 -18 NovemberRestaurants
Sushinoya opens third London site on Charing Cross Road
Wasabi founder Dong Hyun Kim has announced that it is set to open its third London site Sushinoya Charing Cross Road on 15 November 15 2025. The new store sits between Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square opening 10am until 11pm to offer a wide range of fresh Japanese dishes…
Read More » -
Oct- 2025 -14 OctoberFood and Drink
Wasabi to open new Cheapside restaurant amid London expansion
Sushi and bento chain Wasabi has announced that it is set to open a new restaurant in Cheapside on 21 October, expanding its presence in central London. Located close to St Paul’s Cathedral, the site will serve customers in the City’s business district, offering both dine-in and takeaway options. The…
Read More » -
Jul- 2025 -3 JulyCafes and Coffee Shops
How Matcha to open three-storey café in Notting Hill
Matcha bar brand, How Matcha, will open a new café on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill in September, marking its second site in London. The all-day café, which has built a following at its Marylebone venue, will occupy three floors at 52 Ledbury Road, offering 30 covers. The ground floor…
Read More » -
1 JulyFood and Drink
Wasabi launches first franchise at Luton Airport
Wasabi has announced the launch of its first franchise at Luton Airport in partnership with global travel retailer, Lagardère Travel Retail. Set to open its doors in mid-July and located in the main terminal, the new 107 sqm restaurant features a 30-seat dine-in area and a grab-and-go counter. The new…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -27 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 27/03/25
Restaurants continued to struggle for growth in delivery and takeaway sales in February, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker, which revealed that like-for-like sales were up by only 1.7% from the same period in the year before. Weak growth has been attributed to a squeeze on many…
Read More » -
27 MarchFood and Drink
Wasabi to open new Central London venue
Wasabi has announced the opening of its latest location near Monument station in Central London, its first new opening in London for some time. The King William Street location spans approximately 1,600 sq ft and will offer 37 covers. The space features updated design elements, including new banquette seating, internal…
Read More » -
Jan- 2025 -3 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 03/01/25
Boxpark’s turnover for the year to April 2024 dropped marginally to £19.9m, though the food operator said it is “confident” in its ability to secure further sites in 2026 and beyond. The group’s financial performance was impacted by a tougher macroeconomic environment with a drop in beverage sales partially offset…
Read More » -
3 JanuaryFood and Drink
Wasabi eyes expansion amid return to profit
Wasabi has revealed that it posted a profit of £21.9m for the year ended 31 December 2023. The company stated that this was down to a “solid performance” which improved profitability as it balanced inflationary pressure with value for money for customers. As a result of this, the company stated…
Read More » -
Nov- 2024 -5 NovemberBusiness
Hospitality leaders warn against Christmas tube strikes
UKHospitality has coordinated a letter signed by numerous hospitality groups in the UK warning against tube strikes over the Christmas period which can cost businesses up to 70% of daily sales. The letter is backed by the bosses of pub groups, Fuller’s, Greene King, Punch Pubs, Stonegate Group, Young’s –…
Read More » -
1 NovemberRestaurants
Ikea unveils first Swedish restaurant in UK
Ikea has opened its first Swedish restaurant in Hammersmith, next to its recently revamped Ikea Hammersmith city store. The new restaurant is the first time Ikea has created an exclusive dining space on the high street. The space, formerly home to a Wasabi restaurant, has been kitted out to seat…
Read More »
