Fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in fresh Japanese cuisine, including sushi, grilled meats, and stir-fried dishes.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
11
+
-8%
-8%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$441,000 - $801,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in Japanese-inspired cuisine. Founded in 2002 in Glendale, California, SanSai transformed a former 1950s diner into a modern eatery, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes.
The brand began franchising the same year and is currently headquartered in Torrance, California. SanSai's menu features freshly prepared items such as signature salads, grilled teriyaki plates, sushi rolls, and hearty bowls.
Emphasizing health-conscious dining, the franchise focuses on delivering high-quality meals made from scratch, catering to customers seeking nutritious and flavorful options.
What sets SanSai apart is its commitment to the "nature of freshness" philosophy. This approach ensures that all dishes are made to order, with special sauces prepared in-house, providing a unique dining experience that combines speed, quality, and authenticity.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen franchise is $441,000 - $801,000. 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
$35,000
Expenses While Training
$3,000 - $12,000
Real Estate Lease Review
$1,500 - $2,500
Real Estate Deposits and Initial Rent
$5,000 - $17,000
Construction and Remodeling
$200,000 - $450,000
Furnishings
$20,000 - $30,000
Signage
$7,000 - $12,000
Equipment
$100,000 - $125,000
Inventory
$11,000 - $16,000
Utility Deposits, Permits and Alarm System Set-up Fees
$6,000 - $25,000
Business License
$500 - $1,000
Insurance
$2,000 - $3,000
Legal, Accounting, and Insurance
$2,000 - $3,000
Computer Hardware/Software POS and PC
$9,800 - $15,000
Grand Opening Marketing Program
$5,000
Miscellaneous Costs
$3,100 - $4,500
Additional Funds – 3 months
$30,000 - $45,000
Total
$440,900 - $801,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Expenses While Training
$3,000 - $12,000
Real Estate Lease Review
$1,500 - $2,500
Real Estate Deposits and Initial Rent
$5,000 - $17,000
Construction and Remodeling
$200,000 - $450,000
Furnishings
$20,000 - $30,000
Signage
$7,000 - $12,000
Equipment
$100,000 - $125,000
Inventory
$11,000 - $16,000
Utility Deposits, Permits and Alarm System Set-up Fees
$6,000 - $25,000
Business License
$500 - $1,000
Insurance
$2,000 - $3,000
Legal, Accounting, and Insurance
$2,000 - $3,000
Computer Hardware/Software POS and PC
$9,800 - $15,000
Grand Opening Marketing Program
$5,000
Miscellaneous Costs
$3,100 - $4,500
Additional Funds – 3 months
$30,000 - $45,000
Total
$440,900 - $801,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen's 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen had 11 total units in 2022, of which 11 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
SanSai Fresh Japanese Grill, operated by SanSai North America Franchising, LLC, offers a structured training program to ensure consistency and quality in franchise operations. The training is mandatory for both the franchisee and their initial manager before the store opens. Below is a summary of the main training components:
Mandatory Training Program: The franchisee and their designated initial manager must complete SanSai’s required training program before opening the restaurant. This program is aimed at equipping them with essential skills to manage the franchise effectively.
Management and Operational Involvement: The restaurant must be personally managed on a full-time basis by someone who has completed the training and meets current standards. Active involvement by the franchisee in the management process is required to avoid the risks associated with absentee ownership.
Employee Training and Agreements: Franchisees are responsible for hiring and supervising all employees and must ensure they receive proper training. Additionally, employees are required to sign confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements to protect the franchisor’s proprietary information and operational standards.
Territory Protection
SanSai Fresh Japanese Grill offers limited territorial protection to its franchisees through what it defines as a “Designated Territory.” During the term of the franchise agreement, as long as the franchisee remains in good standing, the franchisor will not establish or operate a competing SanSai restaurant within the Designated Territory.
However, this territory is non-exclusive and does not prevent the franchisor from selling branded products through other distribution channels like grocery stores or the internet.
Additionally, the franchisor retains rights to operate or license others to operate non-traditional venues such as airports, stadiums, or military bases—even if they fall within the Designated Territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen franchise is 5.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 3.50%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen franchise is $441,000 - $801,000. 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?
The initial franchise fee for a SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen franchise is $35,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.