Can I use my own contractor?

You may use your own contractor; however, the Yuzu Sushi team will need to certify them and include them in your project's tender process. The construction team will provide a full set of drawings for contractors to quote on. Ideally, only approved certified contractors should provide prices.

How long does it take for the construction of a store?

Typically, store construction takes a minimum of 90 to 120 days. This can vary depending on the supply chain for materials and contractor availability.

As an investor, do I also have to operate the restaurant?

It is strongly recommended that franchisees be responsible for day-to-day operations. Some of the highest-performing locations are run by owner-operators.

On average, how long can the entire process take?

The entire process can take between 6 to 12 months. This depends largely on real estate availability and timelines.

Does Yuzu Sushi provide resources to assist with real estate?

Yes. The real estate team works closely with agents to bring ideal, vetted sites for review. It is essential to work with the Yuzu Sushi real estate team, who are experienced in commercial real estate and restaurant properties. They can help you navigate location selection and negotiate favourable lease or purchase terms.

I have my own building, can I use that to open a restaurant?

Yes. The real estate team will review your location. If it meets the criteria, they can assess its suitability based on services and other requirements.

What size should my location be?

Location size varies depending on the franchise model. Storefront restaurant sizes vary by market. For the IGA express counter model, locations operate within the existing supermarket footprint.

Who will be negotiating my commercial lease?

Yuzu Sushi's designated real estate team will negotiate your commercial lease in partnership with a network of brokers.

What are the Royalty and Advertising Fund percentages?

For the storefront restaurant model: Royalties are 6% of net sales and the Advertising Fund fee is 3%. For the IGA express counter model: Royalties are 5% of net sales and the Advertising Fund fee is 2%.

What is the ideal location to open a franchise?

The ideal location depends on several factors, including strong visibility and accessibility, favourable demographics and low competition, proper zoning and permits for restaurant use, ample parking or foot traffic, and reasonable rent and installation costs for required services.

Can I own a franchise and continue working at my job?

At Yuzu Sushi, we believe that when an owner is present full-time, the restaurant delivers a better quality experience for customers. Most locations require at least one shareholder to be an owner-operator.

What type of qualifications does Yuzu Sushi seek in a franchisee candidate?

The ideal Yuzu Sushi franchisee is a well-rounded individual with business acumen, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to the brand's values of quality, pleasure, creativity, and community engagement. They play a key role in maintaining brand reputation and operational excellence.

Are single and multi-unit opportunities available?

Yes. Depending on the region, we are happy to consider both single and multi-unit franchise opportunities. Yuzu Sushi offers a 33.3% discount on the franchise fee for a second or additional storefront restaurant franchise.

Do I need restaurant operations experience?

No, Yuzu Sushi provides full training and support through its comprehensive program and virtual training academy. However, management or restaurant experience is considered an asset.

How many employees does it take to operate a unit?

Employee needs vary depending on the franchise model. For a storefront restaurant, we recommend a team that receives thorough training to ensure product quality and a positive customer experience. For the IGA express counter, the team is typically smaller due to the compact format.

How much does a Yuzu Sushi franchise cost?

The investment varies by model. For a storefront restaurant, the total project cost is approximately $350,000 with a down payment of approximately $100,000. For an IGA express counter, the total project cost is approximately $50,000 with a down payment of approximately $25,000.

Own a Yuzu Sushi Franchise

Q: Does Yuzu Sushi provide resources to assist with construction?

Yes. Yuzu Sushi has a team of professionals to support you through the construction and setup process for your restaurant or express counter.

Q: Does Yuzu Sushi provide financial assistance?

Yuzu Sushi is supported by national banks in Canada. While the brand does not directly provide financial assistance, it can recommend financial institutions to partner with. The team will guide you throughout the process to help you achieve the desired outcome.

Q: What type of marketing assistance does Yuzu Sushi provide?

When you join Yuzu Sushi, you benefit from national and local marketing campaigns funded by the advertising fund, as well as social media support and promotional programs. The marketing team works to maximize brand visibility in every market.

Bring Fresh, Quality Sushi to Your Community

Join a Quebec-born brand with over 140 locations, two flexible franchise models, and a dedicated support team ready to help you grow.

INQUIRE NOW

A Passion for Quality Since 2002

Since the opening of its first restaurant in Quebec City in 2002, Yuzu sushi has transformed the gastronomic scene with innovative culinary creations. The brand quickly became a favourite among sushi lovers, leading to the launch of the Yuzu Sushi franchise network.

With about 140 locations across Quebec and New Brunswick, including storefront restaurants and express counters in IGA supermarkets, Yuzu sushi has built a strong presence rooted in quality, freshness, and innovation. In July 2019, MTY Group acquired the Yuzu sushi network, opening a new chapter of growth and opportunity for franchisees.

What You Gain as a Yuzu Sushi Franchisee

You’re dreaming of launching your own business in the restaurant industry with a strong, proven concept? Yuzu sushi offers two established models, a dedicated team to support you, national brand recognition, and a success story to build — together.

A BRAND ROOTED IN QUALITY

The brand constantly renews its menus while maintaining the highest standards for ingredients and preparation.

TWO FLEXIBLE MODELS

Choose the model that fits your goals and your means: a storefront restaurant or an express counter inside an IGA supermarket.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

The Yuzu sushi management team supports you with theoretical and practical training, start-up assistance at opening, and ongoing operational support across every area of your business.

PROVEN OPERATING SYSTEMS

Digitalized manuals and tools, POS systems, data dashboards, HR support, a virtual training academy, marketing resources, and standardized recipes. Everything is structured to provide you with a solid operational framework.

STRONG NETWORK

At Yuzu, we share a passion for what we do! Quality, creativity, and customer experience are at the heart of our values. When you join Yuzu sushi, you join a strong and engaged network of experienced franchisees. You also become part of the MTY Group.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Yuzu sushi is a proud partner of Enfant Soleil since 2018 and is actively implementing eco-responsible practices, from ingredient sourcing to takeout packaging.

INQUIRE NOW

INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
Your Investment in Yuzu Sushi

Yuzu sushi offers two franchise models to match different goals and budgets, each designed as a turnkey project with full support from the franchisor team.

INQUIRE NOW

STOREFRONT RESTAURANT

EXPRESS COUNTER

$35,000(10-year term)

Franchise Fee

$100,000 approx

Down Payment

6% of gross sales

Royalties

3% of gross sales approx

Advertising Fund

$350,000 approx

Total Project Cost

33.3%Off franchise fee for a 2nd or additional franchise

Multi-unit discount

$12,000(3-year term)

Franchise Fee

$25,000 approx

Down Payment

5% of gross sales

Royalties

2% of gross sales

Advertising Fund

$50,000 approx

Total Project Cost

$4,500

Renewal Fee

A Menu That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Fresh, Creative, & Always EvolvingYuzu sushi stands out with a menu of quality ingredients, bold flavours, and constant innovation.

Signature Sushi Creations:

From classic rolls to inventive seasonal specialties, each dish is prepared with care.

Diverse Menu Options:

Sushi platters, poke bowls, onigiris and a la carte selections that cater to every appetite.

Antibiotic-Free Salmon:

A commitment to responsible sourcing that resonates with health-conscious consumers.

On-Trend Promotions:

Seasonal offers and new items that encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.

INQUIRE NOW

The Yuzu Sushi
Franchise in Numbers
With about 140 locations and continued growth, Yuzu sushi has established a strong footprint in Eastern Canada.

Founded in 2002

in Quebec City

140+ locations

across Quebec and New Brunswick

73+ RESTAURANTS

92+ express counters in IGA supermarkets

800+ employees

across the network

MTY group

Part of MTY Group since July 2019

network

Expanding steadily since 2005

Yuzu Sushi eXpress:
A Compact Franchise Model Inside IGA Supermarkets

Looking for a lower-investment entry point into the sushi franchise market? The Yuzu sushi Express concept operates as a counter inside IGA supermarkets across Quebec, offering high quality sushi in a high-traffic retail environment.

With a total project cost starting at approximately $50,000, the Express model is designed for entrepreneurs who want to join a recognized brand with a smaller initial commitment. You benefit from the same quality standards, training programs, and operational support as a traditional restaurant.

Key highlights of the eXpress model:

Integrated within IGA supermarket locations for built-in foot traffic

Simplified operations with a compact format

Lower franchise fee and total investment compared to the restaurant model

Full franchisor support from launch through ongoing operations

Hear from Our Franchise Owners

For us, the experience with Yuzu was wonderful. We chose Yuzu because we knew it was a Quebec franchise that everyone loved. We quickly felt confident with the Yuzu Management team and, from the very beginning of the project, we felt like we were part of it. Yuzu Management’s handling of the project ensured that everything went smoothly and the opening took place on schedule. After only three weeks of operation, we already had a loyal customer base! Now that we are up and running, when we have questions, we refer to the Yuzu Management Team. From the very first weeks, we felt at home, in our place. My sister and I are already thinking about opening a second Yuzu sushi restaurant in the next few years!

— Claudia and Isabelle Boudreault, Franchisees

After several years in retail, we were looking for a challenge that would allow us to flourish both personally and professionally. We were drawn to the positive and energetic vibe of the Yuzu team. As we had hoped, we quickly developed a great relationship with our franchisor. The exchanges during the set-up of our first restaurant were conducted with great professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm. This closeness is really what sets Yuzu apart from other brands. Although the management team works tirelessly to develop the brand, the entire team is available to answer our questions. It is reassuring and motivating for a franchisee to see that the franchisor is a business partner rather than an adversary or an obstacle. Today, our restaurants’ performance is skyrocketing because we have succeeded in building an effective team of competent people in whom we have confidence.

— Pascal Caron, Franchisee

Follow Yuzu Sushi
INSPIRATION!

Ready to join the Yuzu Sushi family?

Take the first step toward franchise ownership. Contact our team to learn more about opportunities available in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Get Started Today

Get Started

Questions about franchising?

Yes. Yuzu sushi has a team of professionals to support you through the construction and setup process for your restaurant or express counter.

Yuzu sushi is supported by national banks in Canada. While the brand does not directly provide financial assistance, it can recommend financial institutions to partner with. The team will guide you throughout the process to help you achieve the desired outcome.

When you join Yuzu sushi, you benefit from national and local marketing campaigns funded by the advertising fund, as well as social media support and promotional programs. The marketing team works to maximize brand visibility in every market.

Yes, it is possible to select your own location. However, Yuzu sushi must approve the site before moving forward.

For the storefront restaurant model, the franchise agreement is for a 10-year term and typically aligns with the restaurant lease agreement. For the IGA express counter model, the term is 3 years.

Yes. Each franchisee receives comprehensive training covering all aspects of owning and operating a Yuzu sushi franchise. This includes two weeks of theoretical and practical training, as well as on-site support during your first two weeks of operation. The training also covers operational, marketing, and hands-on in-restaurant components. Additionally, Yuzu sushi offers a virtual training academy for ongoing development.

Own a Yuzu Sushi Franchise

A Passion for Quality Since 2002

What You Gain as a Yuzu Sushi Franchisee

A BRAND ROOTED IN QUALITY

TWO FLEXIBLE MODELS

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

PROVEN OPERATING SYSTEMS

STRONG NETWORK

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

INVESTMENT OVERVIEW Your Investment in Yuzu Sushi

$35,000(10-year term)

$100,000 approx

6% of gross sales

3% of gross sales approx

$350,000 approx

33.3%Off franchise fee for a 2nd or additional franchise

$12,000(3-year term)

$25,000 approx

5% of gross sales

2% of gross sales

$50,000 approx

$4,500

A Menu That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Signature Sushi Creations:

Diverse Menu Options:

Antibiotic-Free Salmon:

On-Trend Promotions:

The Yuzu Sushi Franchise in Numbers With about 140 locations and continued growth, Yuzu sushi has established a strong footprint in Eastern Canada.

Yuzu Sushi eXpress: A Compact Franchise Model Inside IGA Supermarkets

Hear from Our Franchise Owners

Follow Yuzu Sushi INSPIRATION!

Ready to join the Yuzu Sushi family?

Questions about franchising?

With more than 80 brands in Fast Casual, QSR and Casual Dining.

Great, we’re excited to get to know you

First, let's cover the basics

Nice to meet you!

How can we get in touch with you?

Now to the fun part. Let's talk about your goals.

Where would you like to open a restaurant? Select one that applies:

Great, almost done!

What is your area of interest?

Great, almost done!

How much cash do you have to invest?

Nice, you made it!

Anything else you want to mention or ask?

Nice, you made it!

Inquiry Submitted!

INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
Your Investment in Yuzu Sushi

The Yuzu Sushi
Franchise in Numbers
With about 140 locations and continued growth, Yuzu sushi has established a strong footprint in Eastern Canada.

Yuzu Sushi eXpress:
A Compact Franchise Model Inside IGA Supermarkets

Follow Yuzu Sushi
INSPIRATION!

Where would you like to open a restaurant?
Select one that applies: