Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a privately held sushi and sake restaurant chain founded in 2002 in Omaha, Nebraska, operating 17 locations across 13 U.S. states under Flagship Restaurant Group. It sells dine-in service, online ordering, catering, gift cards, and a DIY sushi kit, anchored by a sustainably sourced seafood program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersOmaha, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Blue Sushi Sake Grill does
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a privately held casual-upscale sushi and sake restaurant chain operating under Flagship Restaurant Group. Founded in 2002 in Omaha, Nebraska, the company has grown to 17 restaurant locations across 13 U.S. states spanning the Midwest, South, Southwest, and West (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas). The menu centers on sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and a sake program, with a separately developed vegan menu and daily promotional dayparts including Happy Hour (Mon–Sat 11am–6:30pm and all day Sunday), Vegan Tuesdays, Sake Tuesday, and Little Bento Bonanza Mondays. Operations are led by CEO Nick Hogan alongside co-owners and Chief Culinary Officer Tony Gentile, owner Anthony Hitchcock, and Regional Operations Director Nestor Rebolledo.
The company's technology and distribution stack includes a web-based ordering platform at order.bluesushisakegrill.com, native iOS and Android mobile apps, OpenTable reservation integration at select locations, and two parallel loyalty programs (Sushi Club and Bite Club) supported by an opt-in SMS marketing program. Catering is offered as a distinct B2B channel with classic, specialty, and vegan maki platters and nigiri/sashimi platters priced at $75–$155, and the 2024-launched Build Your Own Sushi Box (BYSOB) extends the brand into at-home DIY consumption at $87 per kit.
Blue Sushi generates revenue primarily through dine-in restaurant transactions, supplemented by online ordering for takeout and delivery, corporate and event catering, physical and digital gift cards, and the BYSOB DIY kit. The Conscious Earth sustainability program, launched in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and progressively expanded with suppliers including Acme Smoked Fish, Greater Omaha Beef, Dutch Yellowtail, Bakkafrost, Coast Seafood, American Unagi, and RedBird Farms, is the brand's central differentiator and underpins menu claims of full traceability in seafood sourcing. Customer segments are broad and consumer-facing (general diners, vegan/plant-based consumers, sake enthusiasts, happy-hour patrons, and corporate catering buyers), with no disclosed enterprise anchor accounts.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill
- Legal name
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill
- Website
- https://bluesushisakegrill.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a privately held sushi and sake restaurant chain founded in 2002 in Omaha, Nebraska, operating 17 locations across 13 U.S. states under Flagship Restaurant Group. It sells dine-in service, online ordering, catering, gift cards, and a DIY sushi kit, anchored by a sustainably sourced seafood program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blue Sushi Sake Grill industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sushi Restaurants
- NAICS
- Restaurants and Other Eating Places (72251), Caterers (722320)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating Places (5812), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)
- akta.pro primary industry
- In-Store Sushi & Asian Prepared Foods (CRAHAKAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Seafood Meal Kits & Heat-and-Eat Entrées (Prepared Meals Featuring Seafood) (AFANALAH), Specialty & Dietary Catering (Vegan, Kosher, Halal, Allergy-Friendly) (HSACAGAH)
Keywords
Where Blue Sushi Sake Grill is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Omaha
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices20 records
Markets served
Blue Sushi Sake Grill business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Dine-in Restaurant Sales: Revenue from customers dining at physical restaurant locations, generating sales from sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, appetizers, beverages including sake, cocktails, wine, and beer.
- Online Ordering (Takeout/Delivery): Revenue from online and mobile app orders for pickup and delivery, allowing customers to order ahead for convenience.
- Catering Services: Corporate and event catering with maki platters, nigiri and sashimi platters, and cocktail appetizers. Platters range from $75-$155.
- Gift Cards: Sale of physical and digital gift cards for use at all restaurant locations.
- Build Your Own Sushi Box: DIY sushi kit for at-home experience priced at $87 (serves 3-4), with optional sushi knife add-on for $30.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Build Your Own Sushi Box serves 3-4 people |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Classic Maki Platter small serves 6-7 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty Maki Platter |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Vegan Maki Platter |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Happy Hour (Mon-Sat 11am-6:30pm, All day Sunday) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Blue Sushi Sake Grill product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blue Sushi Sake Grill operates casual dining sushi restaurants serving Japanese-inspired cuisine including sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, sake, cocktails, wine, and beer across 17 physical locations in 13 U.S. states. The chain differentiates through responsibly sourced seafood under its Conscious Earth program partnered with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, an extensive vegan menu, and an all-day happy hour program. Revenue is generated through dine-in service, online ordering for takeout and delivery, catering platters, gift card sales, and Build Your Own Sushi Box DIY kits.
Product overview
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a Japanese-inspired sushi restaurant chain operating under Flagship Restaurant Group, offering sustainable sushi and sake with a focus on responsibly sourced seafood. The company provides a unified dining experience centered on its core restaurant locations, supplemented by digital products including a mobile app for ordering and rewards, online ordering platform, and DIY Build Your Own Sushi Box. Additional offerings include catering services, gift cards, and loyalty programs (Sushi Club and Bite Club), along with daily specials like Happy Hour, Vegan Tuesdays, and Sake Tuesday promotions. The Conscious Earth sustainability program underpins the company's commitment to responsible sourcing through Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch partnerships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill Restaurant Japanese-inspired sushi restaurant serving responsibly sourced sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, sake, cocktails, wine, and beer at 17 dine-in locations across 13 U.S. states. Targeted at mainstream diners, plant-based consumers, sake enthusiasts, and value-conscious happy hour patrons.
- Blue Sushi Mobile App Standalone iOS and Android mobile application for ordering sushi for pickup or delivery, earning loyalty rewards (1 point per dollar spent, 100 bonus points for signup), receiving exclusive promotional offers, and locating nearby restaurants. Available to individual consumers via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Build Your Own Sushi Box (BYSOB) DIY at-home sushi kit containing fresh ingredients for 8 maki rolls, a video tutorial from the Corporate Sushi Chef, makisu sushi rolling mat, and salted edamame, serving 3-4 people. Priced at $87 per box with optional sushi knife add-on for $30; available for online order and pickup at selected locations. Targeted at consumers seeking an at-home sushi experience.
- Catering Services Corporate and event catering service offering maki platters (classic, specialty, and vegan options ranging from $75 to $155), nigiri and sashimi platters, cocktail appetizers, and specialty sashimi spoons. Targeted at businesses and organizations ordering food for meetings, events, and celebrations.
- Gift Cards Physical and digital gift cards redeemable at all Blue Sushi Sake Grill restaurant locations, available for purchase online through the SecureTree platform and intended for gifting occasions.
Quantifiable outcome
- All seafood sourced from vendors following sustainable fishing/farming practices (Seafood Watch pledge)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Blue Sushi Sake Grill technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature2 records
Blue Sushi Sake Grill partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- American UnagiminorAmerican Unagi is changing the way eels are sourced, providing local Maine-sourced eels with traceable, transparent journey from water to plate. Unlike most eels that travel across the globe, their eels support well-managed glass eel fisheries and coastal communities with deep roots in sustainable fishing.
- RedBird FarmsminorRedBird Farms stands out for humane, antibiotic-free, and vegetarian-fed poultry that is hand-trimmed for quality and care. Their high-touch, ethically sound practices align with Blue Sushi's commitment to food that is good for people and the planet.
- Bakkafrost Faroe Island SalmoncoreBakkafrost sets a global standard in sustainable aquaculture, converting bio-waste into clean energy for local homes and maintaining a fully integrated value chain. Their work supports healthy ecosystems, communities, and salmon. They lead with innovation, responsibility, and heart in sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Coast SeafoodcoreCoast Seafood is dedicated to coastal values and local communities, delivering premium, sustainably sourced fish from the clean waters of Norway, Scotland, and beyond. Their consistent excellence and commitment to long-term sustainability mirror Blue Sushi's goals for responsible sourcing.
- Acme Smoked FishcoreAcme Smoked Fish has been a family-run business since 1954, renowned for crafting the finest smoked fish with artisanal touch and innovative spirit. Their commitment to sustainability makes them Blue Sushi's ideal partner for smoked salmon products. They integrate sustainability into every step from sourcing responsibly farmed fish to reducing emissions and investing in community wellbeing through their four-pillar approach.
- Greater Omaha BeefcoreGreater Omaha Beef is a leader in sustainable beef production, championing eco-conscious practices like cleaner energy use, water conservation, and waste reduction. Their long-standing commitment to Dr. Temple Grandin's humane handling principles reflects deep respect for animal welfare. They provide transparent, community-focused approach aligning with Blue Sushi's values of integrity and environmental responsibility.
- Dutch YellowtailcoreDutch Yellowtail is raised on land in a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (greenhouse for fish) powered by 100% green energy. With minimal environmental impact, full traceability, and world-class water quality systems, they provide premium yellowtail that is certified by ASC, BAP, and BRC, and is a Good Fish Foundation 'Green Choice'.
- CaviartminorCaviart specializes in seaweed caviar products whose commitment for sustainability aligns seamlessly with Blue Sushi's values. They provide plant-based alternatives to traditional caviar, rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting Blue Sushi's vegan menu options.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WatchcoreSeafood Watch empowers consumers and businesses to make informed choices using a comprehensive ratings system indicating which seafood items are 'Best Choice', 'Good Alternative', or to 'Avoid'. Blue Sushi is committed to following Seafood Watch recommendations by prioritizing fisheries rated Green Best Choice, Yellow Good Alternative, or from eco-certified sources.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Blue Sushi Sake Grill competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Sushi Zushi: Texas-based sushi and Japanese restaurant chain; comparable casual sushi format and menu, but operates primarily in a different regional market than Blue Sushi's Midwest/South footprint.
Broad incumbents
- Benihana: Iconic Japanese restaurant chain with teppanyaki and sushi offerings; comparable as an established Japanese-cuisine incumbent competing for similar dine-out occasions, though with a distinct table-cooked format.
- Nobu: Premium global Japanese restaurant brand with sushi and sake programs; comparable in emphasis on sushi, sake, and a sustainability-conscious premium positioning, though at a higher price tier.
- Sarku Japan: Large U.S. sushi operator primarily in mall and food court locations; comparable in category and supply chain exposure to sushi, but with a quick-service rather than full-service format.
- PF Chang's: Large established Asian dining chain offering sushi alongside broader Chinese and Asian fare; comparable in scale and casual-upscale positioning, but with a wider menu and stronger national brand.
- Bonefish Grill: Casual-upscale seafood-focused chain; comparable in check size, dine-in atmosphere, and customer occasion, though focused on broader seafood rather than sushi specifically.
Direct peers
- Kura Sushi: Multi-unit sushi chain operating a tech-enabled, conveyor-belt sushi concept; comparable in scale ambition, category focus, and emphasis on a differentiated sushi experience, though format is distinct.
- RA Sushi Bar Restaurant: U.S. sushi restaurant chain offering a similar casual-dining sushi and sake menu with multiple locations; directly comparable in format, target customer, and category to Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
- Kona Grill: Casual upscale chain with sushi and Asian-inspired fare across multiple U.S. markets; directly comparable in price point, dining occasion, and customer demographic.
- Sushi Roku: Multi-location Japanese and sushi restaurant group; closely comparable concept offering sushi, sashimi, and Japanese small plates in a similar casual-upscale setting.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Blue Sushi Sake Grill social profiles
Digital presenceBlue Sushi Sake Grill financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blue Sushi Sake Grill leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Blue Sushi Sake Grill funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blue Sushi Sake Grill M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Blue Sushi Sake Grill
What does Blue Sushi Sake Grill do?
Blue Sushi Sake Grill operates casual dining sushi restaurants serving Japanese-inspired cuisine including sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, sake, cocktails, wine, and beer across 17 physical locations in 13 U.S. states. The chain differentiates through responsibly sourced seafood under its Conscious Earth program partnered with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, an extensive vegan menu, and an all-day happy hour program. Revenue is generated through dine-in service, online ordering for takeout and delivery, catering platters, gift card sales, and Build Your Own Sushi Box DIY kits.
Is Blue Sushi Sake Grill a public or private company?
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Blue Sushi Sake Grill founded?
Blue Sushi Sake Grill was founded in 2002. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Blue Sushi Sake Grill based?
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is headquartered in Omaha, United States, in the North America region.
How does Blue Sushi Sake Grill make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Dine-in Restaurant Sales are the primary driver. The others are online Ordering (Takeout/Delivery), catering Services, gift Cards and build Your Own Sushi Box.
Who are Blue Sushi Sake Grill's main competitors?
Sushi Zushi is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Benihana, Nobu, Sarku Japan, PF Chang's and Bonefish Grill. Direct peers are Kura Sushi, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, Kona Grill and Sushi Roku.
Does Blue Sushi Sake Grill have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
What industry is Blue Sushi Sake Grill in?
Blue Sushi Sake Grill's product category is Sushi Restaurants. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAHAKAD, In-Store Sushi & Asian Prepared Foods, with a secondary code of AFANALAH, Seafood Meal Kits & Heat-and-Eat Entrées (Prepared Meals Featuring Seafood). Its NAICS code is 72251 and its SIC code is 5812.