Sushi Express is a Taiwanese chain restaurant group specializing in conveyor belt sushi. Established in 1996, the company has expanded from Taiwan to other regions in Asia, operating directly managed stores in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. As of recent counts, the group operates 665 directly managed outlets across Asia.[1]
History
Founding
The founder, Chen Chin-Chiu (陳津秋), originally worked in the garment export industry. However, as Taiwan's garment manufacturing moved overseas to reduce rising costs, shifting to the domestic garment market proved unviable. Facing industry changes, Chen explored various business ventures over 15 years, incurring several million New Taiwan dollars in losses before establishing Sushi Express.[2] In March 1996, Chen founded Sushi Bar Co., Ltd. (壽司霸企業股份有限公司), focusing on take-out sushi with the concept of “small spaces, big opportunities.” In October 1996, Sushi Express Co., Ltd. (爭鮮股份有限公司) was formally established, offering conveyor belt sushi alongside take-out services.[1]