Watami, a prominent player in Japan’s dining industry, has taken a significant step towards expanding its global footprint by venturing into the American market through the acquisition of Sonny Sushi, a U.S.-based sushi supplier, for $6 million. This marks Watami’s first foray into the United States, a move that underscores the company’s ambitious international growth strategy.
The acquisition entails Watami taking over Sonny Sushi’s assets, including its production facilities, brand, and workforce. Sonny Sushi, established in 2002 in Nevada, has carved a niche for itself as a reputable wholesaler, specializing in providing sushi products to hotel buffets and packaged sushi dishes to supermarkets across the U.S. With sales totaling $4.97 million in 2023, Sonny Sushi has demonstrated a successful operational model that Watami seeks to build upon.
Masaya Watanabe, Watami’s Chief Financial Officer, expressed optimism about the acquisition’s potential to pave the way for the company’s expansion into the hotel restaurant sector, leveraging Sonny’s established connections within the hospitality industry. This acquisition is part of Watami’s broader strategy to accelerate its presence outside Japan, following its recent acquisition of Singapore’s Leader Food, marking Watami’s first overseas acquisition.
In addition to expanding its sushi operations in the U.S., Watami has ambitious plans to introduce a chain of yakiniku barbecue restaurants, further diversifying its culinary offerings in the American market. This strategic move not only marks Watami’s commitment to global expansion but also signifies the growing interest of Japanese culinary enterprises in tapping into the diverse and dynamic U.S. food industry.
