Bento Sushi Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Bento Sushi, established in 1996 in downtown Toronto by Ken Valvur, has grown to become Canada’s leading sushi brand. Originally a small takeout shop serving sushi, bento boxes, and other ready-to-eat dishes, the company quickly expanded into supermarkets and food courts by the late 1990s.
Today, Bento operates hundreds of fresh sushi counters across Canada and the United States. Its locations can be found in grocery stores, airports, universities, and other quick-service environments, making it one of North America’s most recognizable sushi names.
The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, and continues to emphasize quality, consistency, and value in every meal it serves.
A member of the Canadian Franchise Association, Bento began rolling out its franchise program in the early 2000s and grew rapidly throughout the next decade.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Bento Sushi franchise? It costs on average between $5,000 – $198,000 to start a Bento Sushi franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on several factors, including the type of sushi outlet selected, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the premises. Bento Sushi offers 5 types of franchises:
| Type of Bento Sushi Location | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Bento Sushi Full Service Location | $18,125 – $163,000 |
| Commissary-Based Bento Sushi Operation | $25,225 – $197,750 |
| Bento Sushi Limited Service Location | $15,975 – $155,850 |
| Bento Sushi Satellite Location | $4,600 – $110,450 |
| Existing Bento Sushi Counter | $18,125 – $173,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Commissary-Based Bento Sushi Operation franchise.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee – University-Based Bento Sushi Operation | $2,000 – $100,000 |
| Security Deposit, Rent, Leasehold Improvements, Utilities | $0 – $0 |
| Small Equipment/Signage/Furniture/Fixtures | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Label Machines with Scanner and Printer | $1,300 |
| iPad Purchase and Monthly Maintenance | $1,150 |
| Initial Inventory | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Insurance | $600 – $1,800 |
| On-Site Training Fee | $900 – $18,000 |
| Travel and Living Costs while Training | $1,500 – $6,500 |
| Professional Fees | $500 – $1,500 |
| Business License Fees & Permits | $100 – $1,000 |
| ServSafe Food Protection Manager Training and Certification | $275 – $550 |
| Initial SOP/HACCP Manual Lease Fees | $200 |
| Background, Credit and Drug Test | $250 – $500 |
| Uniforms | $50 – $100 |
| Banners, Logos, and Other Display Items | $300 – $400 |
| Satellites | $7,100 – $34,750 |
| Additional Funds (1st 3 months) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $25,225 – $197,750 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bento Sushi locations are there?
According to the latest data, Bento Sushi operates 93 locations across North America.
What is the total investment required to open a Bento Sushi franchise?
The total investment required to open a Bento Sushi franchise ranges from $5,000 to $198,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Bento Sushi franchise?
A Bento Sushi franchise requires ongoing payments that include a 10% royalty fee on gross sales and a 2% marketing and advertising fee on gross sales. These recurring fees support brand development, national promotion, and continued operational support across all franchise locations.
Who owns Bento Sushi?
The franchise is owned by the UK-based sushi group YO! Sushi, which acquired the company in November 2017.
Disclaimer
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