Key Points
- YouMeSushi has revealed plans to open 14 sites across the UK in 2026, with the first four expected before the end of March.
- The first openings are due in Uxbridge, Angel, Wandsworth and Canterbury.
- The sushi chain currently operates 29 locations nationwide.
- The brand is inviting new franchise applicants to meet what it describes as rising demand.
- The latest growth plan follows three recent openings in London Victoria, Watford and Chatham.
- Tim Circus, franchise development director, said the group has spent years refining a scalable franchise model and said food quality and freshness continue to drive customer loyalty.
- The company says all three recent openings were delivered by existing franchise partners, reflecting confidence in the brand and appetite for multi-site growth.
- YouMeSushi launched in 2008 and began franchising in 2021.
London (Extra London News) April 29, 2026 – YouMeSushi has set out an ambitious UK expansion plan, saying it will open 14 new sites in 2026 as it continues to build on recent growth and recruit more franchise partners. The first four launches are scheduled to arrive before the end of March, with locations confirmed for Uxbridge, Angel, Wandsworth and Canterbury.
Why is YouMeSushi expanding now?
As reported by Restaurant Online, the company says the move is being driven by rising demand and the strength of its franchise model.
The chain already has 29 sites across the country, and management believes the brand is well placed to grow further. The openings also follow a recent burst of activity, including new stores in London Victoria, Watford and Chatham.
What did the company say about its franchise model?
According to Tim Circus, franchise development director, YouMeSushi has spent years refining a strong and scalable franchise system.
He said the quality and freshness of the food remain central to customer loyalty and to the brand’s continuing appeal. In the company’s telling, that combination of operational support and product consistency has helped fuel confidence among existing partners and potential new operators.
Which sites are opening first?
The earliest wave of openings is due to include Uxbridge, Angel, Wandsworth and Canterbury. These are the first of the 14 sites the company says it wants to launch during 2026.
The announcement suggests the group is focusing on a mix of London and regional locations as it expands its footprint.
What recent openings paved the way?
The most recent phase of expansion included three stores opened in December 2025 in Victoria, Watford and Chatham.
The brand said those sites were opened by existing franchise partners, which it views as evidence of confidence in the business model. That same momentum is now being used to attract more franchise applicants across the UK.
How long has YouMeSushi been trading?
YouMeSushi was founded in 2008 and began franchising in 2021. The company describes itself as one of the UK’s original high-street sushi concepts. Its expansion push comes at a time when many quick-service brands are leaning on franchising to widen coverage while limiting the cost of direct expansion.
What does this mean for the brand?
The expansion plan signals that YouMeSushi is aiming to turn recent site growth into a broader national rollout. The company’s decision to seek new franchisees suggests it believes there is still room for strong demand in urban centres and commuter areas. With 14 openings planned and four already lined up for the first quarter, the chain is positioning 2026 as a major growth year.
What is the wider industry context?
The move reflects a continuing trend among fast-casual and quick-service restaurant operators to expand through franchising, especially when customer demand and brand recognition are already established. In YouMeSushi’s case, recent openings and an existing base of 29 locations appear to be the foundation for the next stage of growth. The company’s strategy now appears focused on scaling carefully while keeping food quality and franchise support at the centre of its pitch.
