Sushi Co has opened its first restaurant in Liverpool, taking over the former Cinnabon site at the entrance to Liverpool Central Station. The new venue launched on Saturday, August 22, after posters along Ranelagh Street teased its arrival for several weeks.
Former Cinnabon site and live kitchen
The restaurant occupies the space previously home to Cinnabon, the American bakery chain that opened in 2021 selling cinnamon rolls, coffee, fruit coolers and sweet blended drinks. The bakery announced its immediate closure last year.
Founded in 2022, The Sushi Co has expanded rapidly through a mix of company-owned and franchised restaurants. The brand specialises in freshly-prepared sushi made in open "live kitchens," allowing customers to watch chefs prepare their food.
Manager on Liverpool's food culture
Store manager Junaid Akram said: "Liverpool is a city with a strong food culture and a real appetite for new concepts so it feels like a natural next step for The Sushi Co."
"We've continued to grow across the UK and Liverpool was a city we were particularly keen to be part of because of its buzzing and vibrant food scene. We're excited to bring our approach to freshly made sushi and East Asian-inspired food to a new audience."
Akram added: "Scousers should expect fresh food made to order with quality ingredients. Our live kitchen means customers can see their food being prepared rather than picking up something that's been sitting in a chiller. There's also plenty beyond sushi, from poke bowls and bao buns to sandos, katsu curry and hot dishes, so there's something for everyone."
Expansion and launch giveaway
Akram noted the early response has been encouraging, with almost 300 customers signed up for the latest details. "Liverpool has such a distinctive character and energy, and we're looking forward to becoming part of the city's food scene. Every new opening is a big milestone for us, but Liverpool feels particularly special," he said.
The Liverpool opening marks another step in The Sushi Co's expansion beyond its established presence in London and the South East. The company has previously outlined plans to significantly increase its UK estate, with dozens of new locations targeted through franchising and expansion into new markets. To mark the launch, The Sushi Co gave away 500 free rolls to its first set of customers.
