Member Article

£1 million investment for Leeds as Japanese food giant Wasabi moves in

Wasabi Sushi & Bento has chosen Leeds for a £1 million investment, announcing plans to open two branches at Trinity Leeds in early February, creating over 50 new jobs.

The Japanese food specialist, which currently has 36 branches across London, is also in the process of opening its first outlet in New York and plans to expand further this year.

Launched in 2003, Wasabi saw turnover reach more than £45million last year and currently employs around 1000 people in the UK.

Wasabi will provide Leeds shoppers distinctive Japanese cuisine at affordable prices, making it a regular healthy treat, rather than an occasional luxury.

Made from scratch in-branch every morning, Wasabi’s sushi is made using only the freshest and finest ingredients including Scottish salmon and line-caught Yellowfin tuna, which are responsibly and sustainably sourced.

“We’re delighted to be opening our branch in New York and two branches within Trinity Leeds; they mark the first time we have expanded outside London,” said Dong Hyun Kim, founder of Wasabi.

“We choose our locations very carefully and Leeds, as a leading retail centre with a vibrant business community and huge student population, is a major draw.

“With our bright, clean, modern Japanese style, Wasabi will offer a lunchtime alternative of sushi, salads, sashimi and authentic hot bento dishes, which we are confident will be popular with hungry shoppers and workers in search of something new, different and healthy.”

The Japanese food-to-go brand has appointed food and drink PR specialists MCG to support the launch its new Leeds stores.

MCG will be working with Wasabi to launch the two stores with an integrated campaign of social media activity, events, promotions and media relations.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .