Healthy fast food franchise SumoSalad has opened its second UK store in the One New Change shopping centre in central London. Having grown to over 80 stores in just eight years in its native Australia, SumoSalad is now seeking to gain a foothold in the UK market.

David Thomson, Managing Director of SumoSalad, said: “We really see that there is a growing number of people demanding a healthier, more nutritious yet convenient food option. SumoSalad offers a genuine alternative to established UK brands. Consumers are much better informed than they’ve ever been. Our ambition is to bring nutritious food to the wider market. And we’ll do it with a smile, not a lecture.”

SumoSalad sees One New Change as a launching pad for a nationwide expansion plan. Dominic Perks, Director and UK franchise owner, said: “There is no doubt that the potential for this brand is greater than just London. We’ve developed concepts for transport hubs, shopping centres and stand-alone stores. We are getting approached daily by potential franchise owners from across the UK and Ireland. Many have seen the success of the brand in Australia and want to be a part of it now that it’s coming to the UK.”

SumoSalad opened its first UK store in Tower Hill two years ago. Thomson said: “We’ve got to acknowledge that our climate and tastes are different from over in Australia. We would have been making a big mistake to open a number of identikit stores very quickly. Instead we’ve refined the concept and anglicised the menu over the last two years until we are confident we’ve found a balance that works for the UK.”

Perks added: “We’ve built up a very loyal customer base in our store now, and we’re delivering our food regularly to offices – clients include Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Facebook – across London. Our customers recognise the benefits of eating increasingly healthily, especially when they are working such long hours.”

Published: 29 November 2010

Back to news