Genki bets on takeaway to drive global growth
It bought Australia’s Sushi Sushi to further its growth in Western markets.
Genki Global Dining Concepts Corp. is shifting its growth playbook from conveyor belts to grab-and-go counters, betting that takeaway sushi—not dine-in—will drive its next phase of expansion.
The Japanese operator, known for its Genki Sushi chain of conveyor-belt restaurants across Hawaii, East and Southeast Asia, has acquired Food Odyssey Pty. Ltd., which operates Sushi Sushi, has acquired Sushi Sushi Australia Pty. Ltd. to strengthen its quick-service presence in Australia and use it as a springboard into additional Western markets
Koji Yamaguchi, senior manager of franchise business at Genki Global’s global business division, said changing consumer habits have altered the economics of restaurant growth.
“Takeaway is already booming worldwide,” Yamaguchi told QSR Media. “In developed countries, especially, lifestyles have changed rapidly in the past five to 10 years. People are very busy.”
Unlike Genki Sushi’s full-service outlets, Sushi Sushi operates smaller stores focused on takeaway, a format that typically requires lower capital expenditure and fewer staff. The model offers faster rollout potential in urban centres where rents and labour costs are high.
The global restaurant takeaway market is projected to reach $38.5b by 2036, according to Future Market Insights Global & Consulting Pvt. Ltd., supported by delivery platforms and automation in ordering and fulfilment. For Genki, the appeal is not just growth but format diversification.
The group’s overseas footprint remains concentrated in East and Southeast Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
It has a limited presence in Western markets. Yamaguchi said the acquisition would help the company better understand consumer behaviour outside Asia.
“We do not have too many stores in Western countries right now,” he said, “The first step is for Sushi Sushi to understand how Western people think about their dining.”
Sushi Sushi has begun pursuing overseas growth through franchise agreements, including a master franchise deal in Saudi Arabia, and plans to expand in India and Europe. Genki is also considering the possibility of leveraging its franchise network in Asia as one of its expansion options.
Integration risks remain. Yamaguchi cited brand recognition outside Australia and securing a stable supply chain as key challenges.
The company plans to send personnel from Japan to Australia to align procurement and provide operational support, he added.
“More importantly, I think we want to focus on people integration. We hope the Sushi Sushi team can gain a deeper understanding of our corporate philosophy, while we also learn from Sushi Sushi’s own values. Our goal is to build a strong sense of unity and move forward together as one team,” Yamaguchi said.
