Want to know what it’s really like being an AFC franchisee? Here’s what some of our franchisees and clients have to say about working with us.
When 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.
When did you open or become a Sushi Izu franchisee?
19th of September 2022.
Why did you choose a Sushi Izu franchise over another franchise?
Why not? If you are already with the best, why settle for less? I previously worked under one of the great operators in Western Australia with the same franchise company for more than 5 years. With the extensive experience I had with Sushi Izu, it made me dream to be an operator someday and this opportunity happened to me in the most unexpected circumstances. It was a great honour and privileged to be chosen among other applicants to be a franchisee for one of the best sushi retailers in the world.
What are the benefits of owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business?
There are a lot of advantages to owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business. This franchise business provides everything you need to run a successful store – from trainings to supplies and most especially marketing this business without doing the groundwork is a bonus. AFC demands quality in all aspects. They do checks and balances so there is no room for mediocrity while a standalone sushi business could be lacking on these aspects.
What did you do before starting your Sushi Izu franchise?
I had worked as a Store Supervisor in one of the branches of Sushi Izu in Western Australia for over 5 years and then got a job in WesTrac in the Credit department.
What is the best aspect of operating your own Sushi Izu franchise?
You are the captain of the ship. The hard work and perseverance you put into the business benefits your own operation and not someone else’s dreams and goals. You have the freedom to be the best and as creative as can be.
What kind of training and support did you receive?
The company has provided this aspect which I am very much grateful for. When field managers do their General Inspections or the Food Safety Specialist come to check the store, I am ever willing to be given constructive criticisms and feedback to improve the operation and make it more successful. After all, this is a partnership. We must work together to keep us going. Apart from my own target goals, my area manager always gives weekly target goals and updates on economic trends within the location and statewide. This helps a lot in our undertaking to be always relevant.
What is your favourite menu item to make?
I always love making Chef’s Platters and Chef’s Samplers because it shows my creativity and the intricate art of sushi making. If I can do this beautifully, I feel like a pro.
Please share a memorable experience you’ve had during your time as a Sushi Izu franchisee.
As a new operator, I have numerous memorable experiences to date but there is this moment I will forever treasure in my heart. This was during the Mother’s Day promotion when one of my loyal customers came up to me with a gift and her words of appreciation was heart-warming. That was just a proof that I have done an excellent customer service to the Cottesloe community. I am forever grateful for that moment.
When did you open or become a Sushi Izu franchisee?
6th of July 2022.
Why did you choose a Sushi Izu franchise over another franchise?
As Sushi Izu is located inside Woolworths, it has high foot traffic. It was also low to invest in and already had high brand awareness.
What are the benefits of owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business?
Purchasing a franchise comes with a lower risk than starting a new sushi business. With a franchise, the target audience is already established and active. Existing brand recognition also makes it easier for you to attract customers.
What did you do before starting your Sushi Izu franchise?
I was working at a Sushi train and a Korean Restaurant.
What is the best aspect of operating your own Sushi Izu franchise?
A Sushi izu franchisee has access to a deep reservoir of business assistance to guide us through the process of owning and operating a business. This knowledge can be essential to running a successful business and makes it much easier.
What kind of training and support did you receive?
AFC provided me with industry-relevant training that help me develop the necessary skills to succeed at the job.
What is your favourite menu item to make?
Avocado Hoso, Rainbow, Salmon Nigiri, Aburi Salmon Nigiri.
Woolworths has been working with AFC for over 10 years and during this time opened over 200 sushi bars across our fleet of Supermarkets and Metro stores.
We have found AFC to be a world class sushi partner that has helped Woolworths become the largest sushi retailer in the country. Their commitment to customer service, quality and consistency of product is second to none.
Damien and the team constantly review our offer to ensure Woolworths are ahead of any new trends and a step in-front of the competition.
We have an excellent working relationship based on honestly and respect. This platform allows us to focus all our energy on the customer.
Luisa and the QA team are dedicated and meticulous in their approach to Quality, while Joseph and the store teams build strong working relationship with our operational leads.
I have always found the team at AFC to be extremely professional and unrelenting in their pursuit of perfection for the customer.
We have created a strong business with AFC and look forward to many more years of mutual success.
When did you open or become a Sushi Izu franchisee?
19 November 2014
Why did you choose a Sushi Izu franchise over another franchise?
Low investment and located inside Woolworths Supermarket.
What are the benefits of owning a franchise over a standalone sushi business?
Food safety; high foot traffic; and high-quality sushi menu and recipes.
What did you do before starting your Sushi Izu franchise?
Take away sushi and Chinese food.
What is the best aspect of operating your own Sushi Izu franchise?
Food safety; high foot traffic; low risk; and low advertising spend.
What kind of training and support did you receive?
I’ve received training in customer service, new menu items and food safety.
What is your favourite menu item to make?
‘Akane’ sushi combination, Teriyaki Chicken Dragon Roll and our Salmon Shoreline Combo.
Please share a memorable experience you’ve had during your time as a Sushi Izu franchisee.
Many of our customers are tourists in Cairns. One day a customer told me he’s on holiday and today was his last day after spending three nights in Cairns. He told me he bought sushi from us every night. Night one, medium roll. Night two, Salmon Shoreline Combo. Night three, ‘Suisen’ sushi combination. He said ‘it was the best sushi he has ever eaten, and if he could stay longer he would eat more’. ‘Very to sad to leave’ and left with a Poke Bowl.
I also had one day when the Woolworths Store Manager at Cairns came over to our sushi bar and said, ‘Thank you!’. He further explained, ‘many customers have told me our store is the best because of its sushi offer.’ That made me very proud.