Genji is a sushi franchise providing freshly prepared sushi and Japanese cuisine within Whole Foods Market locations, known for its high-quality ingredients and culinary expertise.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
13
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$3,500
Investment
?
$42,000 - $134,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Genji is a premium sushi-bar franchise that operates fresh sushi kiosks and small-format outlets, primarily inside Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S. and the U.K. The brand began in Philadelphia as a family-owned Japanese restaurant inspired by the classic novel The Tale of Genji.
Founded in 1997 in Philadelphia, Genji became the largest sushi provider for Whole Foods by focusing on quality and sustainability.
Its headquarters are located at 6390 Hedgewood Drive, Suite 300, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Today, Genji operates over 215 locations and employs nearly 900 sushi chefs. It is a part of Hana Group Franchising, LLC.
Genji began franchising in 2022 under Hana Group Franchising, originally formed as Mai Franchising, LLC in 2015. Genji sells made-to-order and pre-packaged sushi, Japanese rice and noodle bowls, soups, and vegetable dishes.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Genji franchise is
$42,000 - $134,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$3,500 - $4,500
Computer, Office Supplies, Equipment and Fixtures
$6,100 - $39,800
Advertising, Marketing and Promotional Materials and Signage
$500 - $1,500
Opening Inventory and Smallwares
$7,500 - $20,000
Initial Training Fees
$2,000 - $8,000
ServSafe Training
$100 - $1,500
Pre-opening Travel Expense
$0 - $2,500
Insurance Deposits and Premiums
$500 - $2,000
Pre-opening Labor
$1,000 - $3,500
Professional Fees
$2,500 - $3,000
Business Permits and Licenses
$350 - $2,000
Credit and Criminal Background Check
$120 - $200
Additional funds – Pre-Opening and Initial 3 Months’ Operations
$18,000 - $45,000
Total
$42,170 - $133,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$3,500 - $4,500
Computer, Office Supplies, Equipment and Fixtures
$6,100 - $39,800
Advertising, Marketing and Promotional Materials and Signage
$500 - $1,500
Opening Inventory and Smallwares
$7,500 - $20,000
Initial Training Fees
$2,000 - $8,000
ServSafe Training
$100 - $1,500
Pre-opening Travel Expense
$0 - $2,500
Insurance Deposits and Premiums
$500 - $2,000
Pre-opening Labor
$1,000 - $3,500
Professional Fees
$2,500 - $3,000
Business Permits and Licenses
$350 - $2,000
Credit and Criminal Background Check
$120 - $200
Additional funds – Pre-Opening and Initial 3 Months’ Operations
$18,000 - $45,000
Total
$42,170 - $133,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Genji's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Genji had 228 total units in 2023, of which 13 were franchised-owned and 215 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee of
Genji
?
The royalty fee for a Genji franchise is 40.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 2.00%.
What is the total investment of
Genji
?
The initial investment required for a Genji franchise is $42,000 - $134,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee of
Genji
?
The initial franchise fee for a Genji franchise is $3,500. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
What is the average revenue (Average Unit Volume) of
Genji
?
Genji does not disclose the average unit volume (average revenue) in its FDD.
The average unit volume (average revenue) for a Genji franchise is $0.
Genji provides an in-depth training program to ensure franchisees operate their sushi bars in accordance with the franchisor's standards.
Initial Training Program: Genji requires the franchisee or their Operating Principal to complete an Initial Training Program, typically lasting 5 to 12 days. This training is held at the franchise location or another agreed site and includes classroom and hands-on instruction.
Fees and Attendance: The fee is $2,000 for the primary participant, and $1,500 for each additional attendee, plus travel and lodging expenses. Genji may also require background checks prior to training, at the franchisee’s expense.
ServSafe Training: In addition to Genji’s training, the franchisee and their team must complete a two-day ServSafe training program. This is a mandatory food safety course.
Supplemental Training: Genji may require ongoing or refresher training for previously trained personnel, charging $500 per day plus related expenses. This training can be conducted at Genji’s discretion, either on-site or at another designated location.
Territory Protection
Genji does not provide exclusive territory rights to its franchisees. Franchisees may face competition from other Genji locations, outlets owned by the franchisor, or other entities affiliated with the approved brands operating within or near their area.
Additionally, Genji and its affiliates retain the right to serve customers and sell products within any territory, regardless of franchise assignments.
Although the franchise agreement may define a geographic area for each Genji Sushi Bar, this definition does not offer true territorial protection. Franchisees are also restricted in their ability to market or conduct business online or outside their assigned location without express permission.