It marks the driver’s first direct investment into a restaurant group and is the culmination of a longstanding relationship with the McWin team.
According to This is Money, Alonso’s stake constitutes more than 20% of the group.
Alonso, who is described as a ‘strong admirer’ of Sticks’n’Sushi has been associated with McWin Capital Partners since it was founded in 2021.
McWin acquired a majority shareholding in Sticks’n’Sushi early last year in a deal that valued the business at €80m (£68m).
“I am excited to have partnered with McWin to invest in the Sticks’n’Sushi restaurant group with the clear objective of making it the “brand” of reference in the Japanese food segment in Great Britain and Europe,” says Alonso.
“Together we share the same core values, and I look forward to this fantastic journey with McWin.”
Originating in Copenhagen, Sticks’n’Sushi was founded by half-Danish, half-Japanese brothers Jens and Kim Rahbeck and Thor Anderson in 1994.
It opened its first restaurant in the UK in Wimbledon in 2012 and now operates an estate that comprises 30 restaurants across Copenhagen, Berlin and the UK.
They include 13 sites in London and one each in Oxford and Cambridge.
The group says it is currently exploring further expansion in existing markets as well as more clusters across Europe.
“We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with Fernando from the early days of our incorporation,” says Harry Goss, chairman of Sticks’n’Sushi and partner at McWin.
“His investment into Sticks’n’Sushi is a tremendous validation of the quality of the business and the clear opportunity it has on the road ahead.
“Fernando Alonso and Sticks’n’Sushi have a shared passion for excellence, and we are excited to see what this partnership will bring.”