Sushi King to close unprofitable outlets

PETALING JAYA (Dec 9): Texchem Resources Bhd will close down unprofitable Sushi King outlets in the country in 2020, the Star reported today.

Group executive chairman Tan Sri Fumihiko Konishi told the Star that the outlets were mainly located in shopping malls that imposed high rentals.

“We plan to shut the one in KLCC because of the high rentals. The outlets in the rural areas are making profits because of the low rentals,” he said.

The Star said Konishi blamed economic uncertainties for reduced consumer spending at Sushi King outlets.

“The people prefer to eat at hawker centres where there are no sales and service tax,” he said.

According to the Star, there are 137 Sushi King restaurants in the country.

It also said the group plans to reduce spending next year.

Local netizens have frequently complained in social media about "progressively worsening quality" in foreign food outlets.

Comments indicated that many feel such franchises had become "fast food assembly lines" with "badly-trained" or "underpaid and unmotivated" workers.

A few cited communication issues with foreign workers.

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