IRO Sushi is extending its footprint into Scotland with the opening of its first restaurant in Glasgow, marking another milestone in the brand's ambitious UK expansion strategy. The new location on Sauchiehall Street serves as the company's entry point into the Scottish market, where it plans to develop up to 20 restaurants across cities including Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Founded in 2014 by sushi chef Chhong Sherpa, IRO Sushi has grown from a single restaurant into a franchise network of more than 35 locations. The company has continued to expand throughout 2026 with new openings in Bristol, Tunbridge Wells, Maidenhead, and Woking. That momentum contributed to first-half system sales of £11.1 million, representing a 28 percent increase over the same period a year earlier.
The Scottish expansion supports IRO Sushi's broader objective of reaching 100 locations worldwide by 2030. By combining freshly prepared sushi with a franchise model focused on operational consistency and local market development, the brand is positioning itself to capture growing consumer demand for premium fast casual dining while strengthening its presence across the United Kingdom.
Expanding into new territories requires franchise brands to understand how individual markets perform while maintaining consistency across every location. Gorilla Dash supports these efforts through Benchmarking, allowing franchise organizations to compare operational performance, identify successful practices, and make informed decisions as they enter new regions. Access to reliable performance insights helps franchise leaders refine growth strategies while supporting long-term scalability.
IRO Sushi's move into Scotland reflects a broader trend of franchise brands seeking opportunities beyond their established markets. As consumer demand for high-quality, made-to-order dining experiences continues to grow, strategic regional expansion supported by experienced franchise operations remains a key driver of sustainable business growth.