Fast-casual UAE-grown Japanese concept, Chez Sushi, will open a network of restaurant franchises to four GCC countries within the next three years.

The franchises will add to the brand’s seven-strong portfolio, which comprises four restaurants in Dubai, two in Muscat and one in Bahrain.

Another Chez Sushi restaurant is set to open in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia later this year.

Chez Sushi managing partner and co-founder, Hiba Kost, who is also behind Dubai brands Sho Cho, Flooka and Loca, said: “Sushi is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the international casual dining industry.

“Since launching the Chez Sushi brand in Dubai in January 2013 we have gone from strength to strength and have opened a new outlet, on average, every six months.”

Chez Sushi offers customers the chance to customise their own sushi rolls, which are then assembled to order by the chefs.

“In the UAE we’re accustomed to seeing international F&B brands setting up shop here; what we are still lacking however is imaginative, homegrown dining concepts,” Kosta continues.

“Since launching Chez Sushi we’ve successfully established a benchmark within the region’s fast-casual market for innovative, custom-rolled Japanese food using organic, fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.”