Flexibility in adapting Mapal’s tools allowed Sushi Yama to stay agile in a competitive market

Sushi Yama is a prominent restaurant chain specialising in sushi and Japanese cuisine, recognised for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Since integrating Mapal’s Culture Suite, the company has transformed its operations, achieving impressive margins, improving workflow and contributing to a stronger employee culture.
With a focus on employee well-being and a diverse menu, Sushi Yama continues to thrive in the competitive hospitality market, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in its growth strategy.

The challenge 

During its early years, Sushi Yama encountered several significant challenges that threatened its operational efficiency. The reliance on multiple systems complicated oversight, leading to difficulties in maintenance and impacting overall productivity. As the business expanded, rising operational costs and staffing difficulties became pressing concerns, highlighting the need for a more streamlined approach.

With an increasingly competitive market, Sushi Yama recognised that overcoming these challenges was essential for continuous sustainable growth and success, especially as the chain continues to expand in Sweden and plans to establish itself abroad soon. In 2024, they increased their restaurant quota with seven new establishments, and for 2025, they are looking to add another 10 units.

The solution 

To tackle these hurdles, Sushi Yama implemented Mapal's Culture Suite, a transformative decision that streamlined its operations significantly. By transitioning to a unified platform, the company simplified training, communication and procedural workflows, which enhanced quality control across multiple operational levels of the business.

The new digital tools not only improved employee engagement but also made onboarding processes more efficient, ensuring that new staff were integrated smoothly and effectively. This investment in technology allowed Sushi Yama to access critical information quickly, ultimately fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Fishin' for success 

Through strategic initiatives, Sushi Yama has not only navigated its initial challenges but has also positioned itself for sustained growth and success in the competitive hospitality market. The integration of Mapal's tools has empowered the company to enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability and deliver exceptional dining experiences to its guests.

• Higher margins: Sushi Yama achieved an impressive margin of 24% or more, far exceeding the industry average. A big part of the success stems from a strong focus on employee well-being and development, fostering a motivated workforce.
  
  Furthermore, ensuring flawless control of food safety, products and operational standards has been essential in complementing the focus on quality and the continuous development of the menu, which today, in addition to sushi, includes segments such as bowls, dumplings, bao buns and several side dishes.
  
  The implementation of Mapal’s tools allowed for effective tracking and management of operational costs, further enhancing profitability.

• Digital transformation: The shift towards digitalisation was another critical success factor. By launching web ordering, its own app, self-service kiosks, and most recently, the loyalty program “Yama Family”, Sushi Yama has increased its proportion of digital guests from just 5% in 2019 to a remarkable 90% in 2024.
  
  Mapal's platform enabled seamless online interactions, streamlining operations and enhancing guest experiences, allowing for quicker service and greater satisfaction.

• Seamless adaptation: The transition from three disparate systems to a single cohesive platform was met with enthusiasm across the organisation. Continuous support from Mapal facilitated this adjustment, allowing for tailored modifications based on employee feedback.
  
  This flexibility ensured that Sushi Yama remained agile in an ever-changing hospitality landscape, effectively addressing emerging challenges.