New Japanese quick service restaurant is creating 20 jobs
Japanese ‘sando’ shop Shokupan will launch in Birmingham city centre on October 5 with the creation of 20 jobs.
Shokupan, which has rebranded from Gupshup, has used a five-figure funding package from HSBC UK to fit out the new 2,128 sq ft restaurant in Grand Central, above New Street Station.
The quick service restaurant aims to serve lunchtime customers within two minutes of ordering and will seat up to 35 diners.
The restaurant has used the funding from HSBC UK to invest in innovative, custom-built kitchen equipment, including bespoke self-service screens and state-of-the-art interior design.
The funding has also allowed Shokupan to open a new bakery near Birmingham Science Park at Aston, which it will use to bake the bread for the sandos it will serve.
The city centre restaurant will create jobs for four chefs, 14 service staff, a fulfilment manager and a bakery manager.
Following the opening, Shokupan is planning to launch eight new stores nationwide by 2025. The independent business is also exploring franchising opportunities to further grow its portfolio.
Wasi ‘Jet Jaguar’ Taj, brand founder at Shokupan said: “Demand for our sandos surprised us. We were selling out at our Colmore Row shop by 2pm, so it was clear that we needed to move to bigger premises and invest in our own supply chain.
"With HSBC UK's support, both financially and advisory, we are excited to drive the growth of our business with this new restaurant and London as the next stop.”
Raja Khan, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “Shokupan has grown immensely since its inception four years ago, from two men and a kitchen table to a food delivery phenomenon during Covid, and more recently as a firm favourite lunchtime spot for workers across the Colmore Row Business District in Birmingham.
"We’re delighted to be supporting Shokupan as the business continues to grow its presence in the West Midlands and beyond.”
*A Japanese ‘sando’ is a sandwich made with shokupan, a sweet light fluffy milk-based bread.
The restaurant will serve a range of hot and cold Japanese sandos, Detroit-style pizzas and baked goods.
