An AFC franchise starts from as little as $50,000, making your dream of owning your own business even easier.
Our partnership with Australia's largest supermarket group gives our franchisees a valuable sales platform and a clear advantage over our competitors.
Our team provides ongoing training and support to make sure you're getting the most out of your investment and delivering the best experience for our customers.
By way of introduction, my name is Damien Blakeney, General Manager at AFC Sushi Australia. I’ve had the pleasure of leading this start-up sushi franchise since we opened our first 3 locations in December 2011.
Despite the inherent challenges of any start-up business, notwithstanding the challenges the franchise sector continually endures, my journey at AFC has been truly refreshing and rewarding.
Franchising is the cornerstone of small business and is all about people working toward a common goal. Results are achieved from understanding those goals. The underlying goal is usually life enrichment.
The team and I share a simple philosophy towards our business, which is ‘always strive to do better’. In other words, never settle on your efforts today but focus on how you can do better tomorrow! We believe this ethos is tantamount to improving everyday lives.
My team and I have not been alone since inception. We’ve always had the support of our US parent entity, especially during the first 3 years when we opened 149 locations.
While the concept of making and serving sushi inside a supermarket was pioneered by our Founder, Mr Ryuji Ishii in the US over 30 years ago, AFC’s rise in Australia could not have been achieved without its strong alliance and partnership with Woolworths Supermarkets.
The unheralded notion of serving hand-crafted, fresh sushi, in-store to thousands and thousands of customers every day is a testament to the success of ‘Supermarket Sushi’ in Australia.
We sincerely hope you find the information available on our website useful and feel inspired to consider a franchise opportunity or perhaps a career at AFC. I encourage you to visit one of our Sushi Izu outlets in a Woolworths near you for a memorable sushi experience!
– Damien Blakeney, General Manager, AFC Sushi Australia
FIND OUT MOREWhen did you open or become a Sushi Izu franchisee?
I started in 2013. It was great and easy to open with Sushi Izu as they gave me all the recipes and equipment.
What are the benefits of owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business?
It was simpler than my personal sushi shop and I liked that customers would buy sushi while shopping in Woolworths.
What did you do before starting your Sushi Izu franchise?
I worked in a private sushi shop.
What is the best aspect of operating your own Sushi Izu franchise?
Couples can work together with a small number of employees and the headquarters manages the sales and money and are good to work with.
What kind of training and support did you receive?
It’s good, the headquarters team educate you on all the recipes of the menu and everything you need in the food sales business.
What is your favourite menu item to make?
Tuna Avocado, Chicken Katsu Avocado, and Salmon Nigiri.
Please share a memorable experience you’ve had during your time as a Sushi Izu franchisee.
I have been running my store for 10 years, there are many regular customers that come to our stall, and I take pride in this business when regular customers give me presents and say thank you for making delicious sushi.
When did you open or become a Sushi Izu franchisee?
11th of April 2022.
Why did you choose a Sushi Izu franchise over another franchise?
Firstly, location! Every customer in Woolworths is my potential customer so I have facing for every customer that comes in and marketing. And second would be high quality sushi! All the sushi on the display cabinet look so good and very delicious.
What are the benefits of owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business?
Specialised management system, high quality sushi menu and recipes and guaranteed stable sales!
What did you do before starting your Sushi Izu franchise?
Auto Mechanic.
What is the best aspect of operating your own Sushi Izu franchise?
I could learn how to operate the sushi business in the right way. As a result, my business is growing every day and I am satisfied with that.
What kind of training and support did you receive?
Everything! Food safety, how to make sushi, customer service, staff training and sales management.
What is your favourite menu item to make?
Crunchy Chicken Katsu, Aburi Salmon Nigiri and Curry bowls.
Please share a memorable experience you’ve had during your time as a Sushi Izu franchisee.
One day, out of habit I just said, “Thank you.” to a customer but she told me, “I’m even more grateful for you making such wonderful sushi.” I could feel her sincerity, and I was proud of my product as a Sushi Izu franchisee.
Also, I have witnessed quite a lot of staff from the shopping centre and Woolworths have sushi or hot food for lunch every day and that makes me happy, giving me the energy to run my business better.
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