Sushiro to Open First U.S. Location in Times Square

The Japanese conveyor-belt sushi chain will debut its first American restaurant in November 2026.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Japanese Food

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a stylized miniature conveyor belt carrying sushi bowls through an urban landscape. — Japanese sushi chain Sushiro will open its first U.S. location in Manhattan's Times Square in November 2026, marking a significant international expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sushiro will launch its first United States location in Manhattan's Times Square in November 2026. The new site will feature two floors dedicated to kaiten-zushi and a basement for private dining.

Why it matters

The company is expanding into the American market to counter shrinking domestic demand caused by Japan's declining population. Food & Life Companies aims for overseas revenue to account for 55% of group sales by fiscal 2035.

Sushiro operates 668 restaurants in Japan and reported a food cost ratio of 46% in 2025. Parent company Food & Life Companies generated approximately $2.88 billion in total consolidated revenue for the 2025 fiscal year.

The players

Sushiro

A major conveyor-belt sushi chain that traces its roots to a 1975 Osaka sushi counter.

Food & Life Companies

The parent organization of Sushiro that manages the brand's global expansion and revenue targets.

Kura Sushi

A competitor in the kaiten-zushi market that currently operates 97 locations throughout the United States.

The details

Customers at the Times Square location will order through touchscreens, with food delivered directly to their tables via a conveyor system. The restaurant will operate without a tipping requirement.

1975: Sushiro roots trace back to an Osaka sushi counter.
1984: The Sushiro kaiten-zushi business was officially founded.
2004: The company eliminated its central kitchen operations.
June 2026: The chain operated 668 locations across Japan.
November 2026: Sushiro opens its first U.S. outlet in Times Square.

Culture Shift

Sushiro's entry into the U.S. market is a strategic reaction to Japan's shrinking domestic population, which is projected to reach 106 million by 2050. This move reflects a broader societal trend where Japanese retail brands must seek international expansion to remain viable.

Manhattan diners can expect a new dining model that relies on touchscreens for ordering rather than traditional table service. Additionally, patrons will not be required to provide tips, changing the standard cost structure for a casual sushi meal in Times Square.

The takeaway

The expansion signals a significant shift for the global sushi industry as major chains prioritize Western markets. Consumers interested in the model should monitor the stability of the Times Square site, as the company plans to evaluate future expansion across the East Coast.