What is the update on Beyond Sushi Vegan Restaurant since its appearance on Shark Tank Season 10? Beyond Sushi, founded by Guy Vaknin, is a vegan restaurant chain that appeared on Shark Tank Season 10 seeking an investment to expand to the West Coast. While they secured a deal with Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins on the show, it ultimately fell through. However, the company continues to thrive, generating nearly $5 million in annual revenue from its three New York City locations.
Summary
- Beyond Sushi is a vegan sushi restaurant chain founded by Guy Vaknin.
- Vaknin appeared on Shark Tank Season 10 seeking $1.5 million for expansion.
- He secured a deal with Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins, but it later fell through.
- Despite this, Beyond Sushi continues to be successful, with three locations in NYC.
- The company generates close to $5 million in annual revenue.
- Beyond Sushi offers a unique menu of plant-based sushi creations.
- Vaknin is considered a pioneer in the vegan sushi movement.
Beyond Sushi Vegan Restaurant Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Veganism has skyrocketed in popularity. What was once a niche dietary choice is now a mainstream movement.
People are increasingly drawn to plant-based diets for health reasons, ethical concerns about animal welfare, and the environmental impact of meat consumption.
This surge in interest has fueled a vibrant and innovative vegan food scene, with chefs and entrepreneurs creating delicious and creative plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes.
Beyond Sushi: A Plant-Based Pioneer
Beyond Sushi stands out as a leader in this culinary revolution. Founded by Chef Guy Vaknin, Beyond Sushi offers a fresh perspective on sushi, a dish typically reliant on fish.
Vaknin’s creations replace seafood with a colorful array of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, resulting in unique and flavorful sushi rolls that appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.
This commitment to plant-based ingredients and innovative flavor combinations has positioned Beyond Sushi as a pioneer in the vegan sushi movement.
Beyond Sushi on Shark Tank Season 10
1. The Pitch
Chef Guy Vaknin appeared on Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 3, to seek an investment for his growing business. He presented Beyond Sushi’s unique concept and highlighted its success in New York City.
| Entrepreneurs | Guy Vaknin |
|---|---|
| Business | Beyond Sushi – Healthy Sushi Alternative |
| Ask | $1,500,000 for 25% equity (West) + 5% equity (East) |
| Deal | $1,500,000 for 30% equity (West) + 15% equity (East) |
| Sharks | Matt Higgins and Lori Greiner |
| Season – Episode | Season 10 – Episode 3 |
| Original Air Date | October 21, 2018 |
| Website | Beyond Sushi |
| Key Points of Pitch |
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| Why Sharks Accepted |
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2. Shark Tank Offer and Deal Details
Initially, Vaknin sought $1.5 million for a 25% stake in his West Coast expansion and a 5% stake in his existing East Coast operations.
Lori Greiner and guest shark Matt Higgins saw the potential in Beyond Sushi and made a joint offer.
They proposed $1.5 million for a 30% stake in the West Coast expansion and a 15% stake in the East Coast operations.
3. Why the Deal Fell Through
Despite accepting the offer on Shark Tank, Guy Vaknin ultimately did not finalize the deal with Lori and Matt.
The exact reasons remain unclear, but it appears that Vaknin decided to put his West Coast expansion plans on hold.
This decision may have been influenced by a desire to maintain greater control over his company or concerns about the complexities of expanding to a new market.
Beyond Sushi Today
1. Continued Success in New York City
Despite not moving forward with the Shark Tank deal, Beyond Sushi has continued to thrive. The company currently operates three successful locations in New York City.
These restaurants have become popular destinations for those seeking delicious and innovative vegan cuisine.
By focusing on its core market and refining its operations, Beyond Sushi has built a loyal customer base and solidified its presence in the competitive New York City restaurant scene.
2. Menu Innovations and Customer Appeal
Beyond Sushi remains committed to pushing culinary boundaries. The restaurant regularly updates its menu with new and exciting plant-based creations.
This dedication to innovation keeps customers engaged and coming back for more. Beyond Sushi’s menu features a variety of eye-catching and flavorful sushi rolls, as well as other vegan dishes like dumplings and wraps.
This diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
3. Financial Performance and Revenue
Beyond Sushi’s success is reflected in its strong financial performance. The company generates close to $5 million in annual revenue from its three New York City locations.
This impressive revenue demonstrates the strong demand for Beyond Sushi’s unique offerings and its ability to operate profitably in a challenging market.
By consistently delivering high-quality food and excellent customer service, Beyond Sushi has built a sustainable and successful business.
The Future of Beyond Sushi
1. Expansion Plans and Challenges
While the Shark Tank deal fell through, Beyond Sushi likely hasn’t abandoned its expansion goals entirely.
Expanding a restaurant business, especially to new cities or states, comes with many challenges.
Beyond Sushi will need to carefully consider factors like location, competition, and operational logistics.
Maintaining consistency in food quality and service across multiple locations is also crucial.
2. Maintaining a Competitive Edge in the Vegan Market
The vegan food industry is constantly evolving. New restaurants and innovative concepts are emerging all the time.
To stay ahead, Beyond Sushi needs to continue innovating and adapting to changing consumer preferences.
This could involve exploring new ingredients, developing unique dishes, and embracing sustainable practices.
Building a strong online presence and engaging with customers through social media are also key to staying relevant.
3. Guy Vaknin’s Vision for the Brand
Guy Vaknin’s passion for plant-based cuisine and his dedication to quality have been instrumental in Beyond Sushi’s success.
His vision for the brand likely extends beyond just opening more restaurants. He probably wants to continue promoting veganism and demonstrating the culinary potential of plant-based ingredients.
This could involve initiatives like creating educational content, partnering with other vegan businesses, or advocating for sustainable food practices.
By staying true to its core values and embracing innovation, Beyond Sushi can continue to be a leader in the evolving world of vegan cuisine.
FAQs
Is Beyond Sushi really 100% vegan?
Yes, absolutely! Beyond Sushi prides itself on being a completely vegan establishment. They don’t use any animal products in their dishes, including fish, seafood, or honey.
What are some of Beyond Sushi’s most popular menu items?
Some customer favorites include the Mighty Mushroom roll, the Spicy Mang roll, and the Sunny Side roll. They also offer a variety of other vegan dishes like dumplings and wraps.
Does Beyond Sushi offer gluten-free options?
Yes, they do! Beyond Sushi offers gluten-free soy sauce and has several menu items that are naturally gluten-free or can be modified to be gluten-free.
Where are Beyond Sushi’s restaurants located?
Currently, Beyond Sushi has three locations, all in New York City.
Can I order Beyond Sushi online?
Yes, you can order online for pickup or delivery through their website or various food delivery platforms.
The Bottom Line
Beyond Sushi is a shining example of how plant-based cuisine can be both delicious and innovative. Despite facing challenges, the company has achieved remarkable success by staying true to its core values of quality, creativity, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based options, Beyond Sushi offers a unique and satisfying dining experience. As the demand for vegan food continues to grow, Beyond Sushi is well-positioned to remain a leader in this exciting culinary movement.
