OakNorth gives the sushi crew a generous boost
£22 million in fresh capital for Sticks n Sushi
OakNorth, a bank built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, has just handed a hefty £22 million loan to the Danish‑born, Japan‑favoured restaurant chain Sticks n Sushi. The move is set to fuel a rapid rollout across Europe.
Why Sticks n Sushi matters
- Founded in 1994 by brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek and Thor Andersen in Denmark.
- Now operating 27 restaurants: 12 in Copenhagen, 12 in the UK, and 3 in Berlin.
- Their first UK outlet launched in Wimbledon (2012), and the UK is now the chain’s biggest revenue earner.
- CEO Andreas Karlsson has 36 years of industry savvy, having steered the global rollout of Wagamama.
- Sticks n Sushi is owned by private‑equity firm McWin Capital Partners, which also backs eateries like Gail’s Bakery, Popeyes, and Big Mamma.
Sticks n Sushi’s next move
“We’ve opened a new restaurant every year since 2012, and last year we added two more in Shoreditch and Kingston. This May we’re opening a third in Richmond, making it three in just nine months,” CEO Karlsson said. “We have a loyal fan base that keeps coming back for the high‑quality food and service. With McWin and OakNorth backing us, we’re primed to grab the best spots for the next wave of openings.”
OakNorth’s confidence in a sushi star
Stuart Blair, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, shared his enthusiasm: “In these difficult times, hospitality can be a tough sell. Sticks n Sushi is bucking that trend thanks to a solid brand and a focus on premium food. They’ve grown to 27 distinctive restaurants without ever closing one—proof of smart location choices and enduring demand. With the leadership of Andreas and McWin’s support, they’re poised for even more growth.”
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