Sushi Sushi is one of Australia’s most recognised food franchise brands, with over 25 years of heritage in delivering fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Stephen Anders, CEO of Sushi Sushi, shares his journey from global corporate leadership roles in finance, M&A, and marketing including time at Foster’s Group and Treasury Wine Estates to leading one of the country’s most successful QSR franchises.

In Episode 131 - Stephen reflects on his transition from the corporate world to franchising, the lessons learned through major global acquisitions, and how his early exposure to Japan shaped his appreciation for sushi culture and business innovation.

The conversation dives deep into Sushi Sushi’s post-COVID transformation, covering its renewed focus on technology-driven operations, multi-format retailing, customer loyalty programs, and franchise growth strategy. He also discusses the company’s evolving “RICE” values — respect, innovation, collaboration, and execution as a foundation for cultural and operational excellence.

0:00 Introduction

0:49 How Stephen Anders started in business

2:27 Why financial rigour is the common thread among franchise leaders 

4:19 What corporate life was really like at Arthur Andersen 

7:03 Stephen’s journey from strategy manager to global wine executive at Foster’s

9:32 How billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions actually come together

11:58 Working across Asia during the currency crisis and discovering Japan’s business culture

16:37 First impressions of franchising after years in global corporate roles

19:17 The moment Sushi Sushi came calling and why Stephen said yes

22:21 What it’s like stepping into a private equity–backed franchise business

24:50 Resetting Sushi Sushi’s strategy after COVID 

29:12 Inside a day in the life of Sushi Sushi’s CEO and what Stephen focuses on most 

32:58 Sushi Sushi’s sale process and how it impacts future expansion plans

34:43 What’s next for Sushi Sushi and its CEO over the next 3–5 years

35:23 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: Franchise Business HUB

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