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Beyond Sushi is a vegan restaurant chain featured in Season 10 of Shark Tank. Beyond Sushi is a well-known plant-based, vegan sushi brand first established in New York City.
Beyond Sushi revolutionized the sushi industry by offering an array of innovative, vegan sushi rolls and other plant-based Japanese-inspired dishes.
The brand changed the face of sushi by combining vibrant, fresh ingredients with high-quality, seasoned rice and delicate seaweed. All their dishes are 100% vegan, using plant-based proteins and fresh vegetables to create a unique, healthy dining experience.
Beyond Sushi’s products feature globally inspired flavors that provide an interesting twist to the traditional sushi dining experience. Their menu caters not only to vegans or vegetarians but also to pescatarians, flexitarians, and those trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets.
Their innovative and inclusive approach makes Beyond Sushi a good choice for many people. First, they cater to a growing demographic of health-conscious individuals and those following a plant-based diet.
They offer high-quality, creative, flavorful food options often scarce in the traditional fast food market. Second, their products are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, aligning with increasing consumer awareness and desire for sustainable food choices.
Beyond Sushi’s creative culinary approach and delicious flavors can be enjoyed by those not strictly plant-based.
| Company Name | Beyond Sushi |
| Entrepreneur | Guy Vaknin |
| Product | Healthy sushi Alternatives |
| Investment Asking For | $1,500,000 for 25% equity (West) + 5% equity (East) in Beyond Sushi |
| Final Deal | $1,500,000 for 30% equity (West) + 15% equity (East) in Beyond Sushi |
| Shark | Matt Higgins and Lori Greiner |
| Beyond Sushi’s Episode | Season 10, Episode 03 |
| Beyond Sushi’s Business Status | In Business |
| Beyond Sushi’s Website | Visit Website |
What Is Beyond Sushi?
Beyond Sushi is a revolutionary approach to traditional sushi, offering a unique and innovative culinary experience that celebrates plant-based ingredients and sustainable practices.
This avant-garde food concept is the brainchild of Chef Guy Vaknin and his wife, Tali, who have succeeded in reinventing sushi by veering away from its conventional fish-based recipes.
Instead, they have masterfully crafted an exquisite menu highlighting a diverse selection of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and nutrient-dense legumes as a healthier and environmentally-responsible alternative to conventional sushi.
Located primarily in New York City, with locations spread across Manhattan, Beyond Sushi is a pioneer in the plant-based sushi movement and has garnered a loyal following of vegans and non-vegans alike.
The carefully curated dishes boast vibrant colors, exciting flavors, and ingenious combinations that will tantalize the taste buds and redefine one’s perception of sushi.
In addition to signature sushi rolls, the menu also features an array of innovative appetizers, hearty salads, and delectable desserts, all prepared with an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.
Beyond Sushi is a culinary trailblazer in taste, nutrition, and environmental stewardship, embracing a visionary food philosophy and championing the cause of plant-based cuisine.
Who Is The Founder Of Beyond Sushi?
Beyond Sushi was founded by Guy Vaknin, an entrepreneur and culinary expert who sought to revolutionize the sushi industry by offering plant-based alternatives.
Before creating Beyond Sushi, Vaknin deeply appreciated the art of sushi making and recognized its popularity, particularly nigirizushi, developed in the 1820s by Hanaya Yohei and became a common form of sushi sold worldwide.
Despite sushi’s popularity in Japan, its global reach was not as substantial, especially for those who adhere to a plant-based diet. This insight sparked the idea for Beyond Sushi.
Vaknin wanted to change the sushi game by developing a restaurant that served vegan sushi meals, challenging the traditional reliance on fish and seafood.
He saw an opportunity to appeal to a growing demographic of health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers looking for high-quality, flavorful vegan options.
Beyond Sushi was born, serving a variety of plant-based sushi rolls that did not rely on fake meats but instead used fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to create a unique and balanced dining experience.
Before his appearance on Shark Tank, Vaknin had built Beyond Sushi into a successful business in New York City with six locations throughout Manhattan. He invested his life savings into opening his first restaurant in July 2012, a small establishment with only 12 seats and a single employee.
Despite its modest size, the first restaurant was successful, pulling in $1,000,000 in revenue from a space of just 280 square feet. The business model focused on one central kitchen producing and delivering all the food to different locations.
Vaknin’s determination to elevate the popularity of sushi outside Japan, coupled with his innovative plant-based approach, allowed him to create a thriving business. However, he had experienced some turbulence and financial losses.
His ambition to expand Beyond Sushi to the West Coast led him to apply for Shark Tank, seeking more capital and an experienced partner to support this new venture.
Despite some ups and downs in the business, Guy’s resolve to bring high-quality, plant-based Japanese dining to the United States remained unshaken.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Beyond Sushi?
Guy Vaknin, the founder of Beyond Sushi, appeared on the 10th season of Shark Tank, seeking investment for his innovative sushi business. His pitch involved asking for an investment of $1,500,000 in exchange for 25% equity in the company’s planned West Coast operations and 5% equity in the already established East Coast operations.
In his presentation, Vaknin outlined the details of his unique sushi business, including six operational locations.
He told the sharks that his largest locations could generate $2,000,000 in sales annually, while smaller ones can make between $600,000 to $1,000,000 yearly.
However, Vaknin acknowledged that plans for West Coast expansion had complicated his financial figures and had led to a loss of $300,000 the previous year.
The Sharks had mixed views on Vaknin’s pitch. Daymond John decided to drop out of the deal because he didn’t understand enough about the restaurant industry’s logistical aspects.
Kevin O’Leary also dropped out because he believed the company’s valuation was too high to be an investable proposition. Mark Cuban echoed Kevin’s concerns about the potential return on investment and opted out.
Despite this, Guests Shark Matt Higgins and Lori Greiner expressed interest in Beyond Sushi. Higgins voiced his concerns about the equity split between the West and East Coast operations but saw enough potential to team up with Greiner.
Together, they proposed an offer of $1,500,000 in exchange for a larger equity stake: 30% in the West Coast operations and 15% in the East Coast operations.
After contemplating this counteroffer, Vaknin accepted the deal Matt and Lori proposed. However, it was later found out in post-show updates that Vaknin did not finalize the deal with Lori and Matt.
The plans for West Coast expansion were paused, and the reasons for canceling the deal were unclear. Despite this, Vaknin’s Beyond Sushi has enjoyed significant success with its East Coast operations.
What Happened To Beyond Sushi After Shark Tank?
Beyond Sushi experienced significant developments following its appearance on Shark Tank. Despite the initial agreement on the show, the deal with Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins for West Coast expansion was not finalized.
The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but it postponed the company’s plans for West Coast operations.
However, this did not halt the success and growth of Beyond Sushi on the East Coast. The New York City-based operations of Beyond Sushi continued to thrive, with the brand gaining recognition for its innovative and healthy approach to sushi.
The restaurant expanded its presence by opening its seventh branch in Manhattan, further solidifying its footprint in the bustling city.
Beyond Sushi’s reputation grew positively among customers, as reflected by its 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on Trip Advisor. The brand also garnered recognition through nominations in the Veg Out awards for best restaurant and sushi.
Beyond Sushi has also effectively leveraged digital platforms to reach its customer base and expand its market. The launch of their website has facilitated customer interaction by providing a platform for orders and reservations.
Beyond Sushi’s social media presence is also impressive, boasting over 65,000 followers on Instagram and over 12,000 followers on Facebook as of 2023.
In addition to running a successful business, Beyond Sushi has shown a commitment to social responsibility by partnering with initiatives to feed the less fortunate.
Beyond Sushi has a revenue of approximately $400,000, with approximately 28 employees as of 2023, despite challenges and plan changes.
Beyond Sushi continues to make strides in the food industry by providing a unique, vegan alternative to traditional sushi, solidifying Guy Vaknin’s vision of introducing quality Japanese dining to the United States.
Beyond Sushi Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Beyond Sushi, a vegan restaurant chain specializing in plant-based sushi, experienced different outcomes based on available sources. Here are the various scenarios:
Beyond Sushi flourished after its appearance on Shark Tank. Israeli-American chef Guy Vaknin, the owner of Beyond Sushi, secured a $1.5 million investment from Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins on the show.
Since then, the restaurant has expanded to multiple locations in Manhattan, including a full-service restaurant. Beyond Sushi’s menu now offers a variety of plant-based sushi options and other dishes like “impossible” fried chicken and meatballs.
Additionally, the company launched City Roots, a catering service for special events. Reviewers on Yelp praised the restaurant for its innovative vegan-based menu, highlighting the superb textures and flavors.
The staff’s kindness and the owner’s ability to create appealing vegan options were also commended. Beyond Sushi continues to thrive, garnering positive reviews and recognition.
Vaknin initially secured a $1.5 million deal with Lori Greiner and guest Shark Matt Higgins on Shark Tank. However, due to a disagreement in the direction of the partnership, Vaknin ultimately declined the investment.
This temporarily halted expansion plans, specifically for the West Coast, including Los Angeles. Beyond Sushi introduced a catering division called City Roots, but there is no further information on its progress.
Beyond Sushi experienced growth and operates seven locations, but the West Coast expansion plans were put on hold. The restaurant has received positive reviews and accolades, including nominations for best restaurant and sushi.
Beyond Sushi engages in social initiatives to provide free meals to the less fortunate and maintains an active presence on social media. Beyond Sushi generates an annual revenue of $400,000 with around 28 employees.
Beyond Sushi has generally been successful and continues to operate and expand in Manhattan, offering its innovative plant-based sushi options along with other vegan dishes.
Is Beyond Sushi Still In Business?
Beyond Sushi is still in business. The restaurant chain, specializing in plant-based sushi and other vegan options, has experienced growth and expansion since its inception.
Beyond Sushi has expanded its locations in Manhattan, including a full-service restaurant on the Upper East Side. They offer a variety of vegetable and plant-based sushi, along with dishes like “impossible” fried chicken and meatballs.
The restaurant has received positive reviews, with customers praising the impressive vegan options, creative flavors, and attentive staff. Beyond Sushi also launched a catering business called City Roots, which provides fresh and sustainable cuisine for various events.
While there were reports of a declined investment and a temporary halt of expansion plans in Los Angeles, it is evident that Beyond Sushi has continued to thrive and grow on the East Coast.
Beyond Sushi operates multiple locations and maintains an active online presence. Beyond Sushi has expansion plans for the West Coast, with a $1.5 million investment secured from Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins.
Despite disagreements and canceled West Coast expansion plans, New York’s restaurant chain is still successful. Beyond Sushi continues to be in business, operating its plant-based sushi restaurants and receiving positive customer feedback.
While there may have been variations in expansion plans and investment agreements, the restaurant chain remains thriving in the culinary scene, primarily in Manhattan.
What Is the Net Worth Of Beyond Sushi?
The net worth of Beyond Sushi is $10 million as of 2023. Beyond Sushi’s valuation was $5 million after securing a deal from Matt Higgins and Lori Greiner on Shark Tank.
Also, read other notables businesses from Season 10 of Shark Tank:
