Fast-Casual Sushi Model

A fast-casual sushi restaurant concept that applies Chipotle's service model to sushi, making it more accessible and familiar to American consumers used to chains like Subway and Chipotle.

Key Points:

• Core Concept:

  • Create a Chipotle-style service model for sushi
  • Focus on fast-casual dining experience
  • Make sushi more approachable for mainstream customers

• Location Strategy:

  • Locate stores next to existing Chipotle locations
  • Leverage Chipotle's proven location research and customer traffic
  • Follow strategy used by other chains like Quiznos and Noodles & Company
  • Benefit from Chipotle's billion-dollar location research without doing it yourself

• Business Logic:

  • Piggyback on established fast-casual traffic patterns
  • Reduce location risk by following proven successful locations
  • Take advantage of existing foot traffic and demographic research
  • Minimize initial market research costs

Note: While the speaker's father thought it was a "terrible idea" due to the challenges of the food business and their lack of sushi experience, they proceeded with the concept anyway.