The half-year trading update for the 26 weeks to 30 June 2026 also revealed total system sales rose 28% to £11.1 million in the 26 weeks to 30 June, driven by new store openings in Woking, Tunbridge Wells and Sutton over the past 12 months.
Sales growth was supported by continued investment in product development and menu innovation. The company’s new IRO Favourite Rolls have become its third most popular product, while drinks sales increased by 34% and maki roll sales grew by 28% during the period.
IRO Sushi also began rolling out its new izakaya-inspired, technology-driven store design, creating what it says is a stronger platform for both UK and international expansion. The first of the redesigned stores opened in Woking during the period, which the sushi brand says has performed ‘exceptionally’, providing early evidence of the benefits of the new concept.
The company has opened four new stores so far this year in Woking, Tunbridge Wells, Maidenhead and Bristol, all of which it says are trading ahead of expectations. Work is also under way to open at least four further confirmed sites in Basingstoke, Ipswich, Salisbury and South London this year.
The business expects to launch between 10 and 15 stores during 2026, compared with four openings in 2025.
The expansion forms part of the group’s long-term strategy to grow its estate to 100 stores by 2030. “For years, we have felt that the UK has lagged behind its international peers when it comes to its sushi offer,” says Chhong Sherpa, founder & CEO of IRO Sushi.
“Tapping into the UK’s growing love for sushi and Japanese cuisine, we’re aiming to become the go-to brand for expertly rolled, made-to-order sushi and authentic Japanese curries and hot dishes.
“We’ve started this year strongly, with strong growth and a string of new openings, but we really feel we are only just getting started.
“We see a huge opportunity to build on our UK footprint and bring IRO Sushi to every major town and city across the UK to cement our brand as a household name, while also exploring opportunities to expand internationally.”
The latest results build on a strong performance in 2025, when the company increased system sales to £18.5 million, up 29% year-on-year, while like-for-like sales rose 19%.