Following the introduction of the new proposition, one of Clebson’s sites increased its average weekly sales by over 50%.
Clebson also sees a clear commercial advantage in operating as part of an established franchise network. Unlike an independent operator, he does not have to take on all the challenges associated with establishing a business from scratch. From set-up to ongoing operations, he benefits from the infrastructure and expertise already in place.
He also highlights the strength of YO!’s wider supply chain. As part of a much larger organisation, Clebson can benefit from the group’s buying power, helping him access key ingredients and supplies at a scale that would be difficult to achieve as an independent operator.
For an experienced operator like Clebson, this means he can concentrate on what he does best: running great sushi businesses and looking after his customers and team.
Is YO! a good franchise for experienced sushi operators?
Having joined YO! at the beginning of its franchise journey, Clebson has seen first-hand how much the proposition and brand have developed. He believes the changes made by YO! have created a stronger commercial opportunity for franchisees, while retaining the recognition and appeal of one of the UK’s best-known sushi brands.
His own growth is testament to that belief. What began with one location has developed into a five-site portfolio spanning YO! and Panku.
Why are people important to a YO! franchise?
For Clebson, success is not just about sales. One of the biggest challenges of becoming a franchisee is learning to hand over some control of the day-to-day running of the business to others. Fortunately, he had a major advantage: a highly trained team who chose to follow him when he moved to YO!.
That team has become an important part of his success, allowing Clebson to focus on growing the business while maintaining the standards and customer experience he expects. His advice to other franchisees is simple: look after your people.
He believes in rewarding and recognising staff, encouraging them to develop and building strong interpersonal relationships throughout the business. For Clebson, that philosophy starts at the very top, with the relationship between YO! and its franchisees, and continues through the franchisee, their teams and ultimately the customer.
“Treat your staff really well. Reward them, recognise them and encourage them. The relationships between people are key, from YO! right through to the customer.”
What is next for Clebson?
Three years after becoming one of YO!’s first franchisees, Clebson is already a multi-site franchisee with five locations across YO! and Panku. His story demonstrates what can happen when experienced industry knowledge is combined with the support, infrastructure and buying power of an established franchise network.
For Clebson, the opportunity is not simply about running a sushi business. It is about building a business with a brand he believes is continuing to grow, evolve and improve.
“YO! has given me the opportunity to grow my own business while still having the support of a much bigger organisation behind me.”
This article comes courtesy of YO! Sushi, one of the UK’s best-known sushi brands and an established franchise opportunity.
