At the intersection of rock nostalgia and sushi innovation stands Rock N Roll Sushi, a bold, high-energy brand that has completely reimagined the way Americans experience sushi. With its roots in Mobile, Alabama, and its heart set on turning the volume up on tradition, the brand has grown from a single, 1,050-square-foot location inside Bel Air Mall to a booming franchise with 70+ locations open and 10 more under construction.
“We were inspired to create Rock N Roll Sushi after noticing that most sushi bars had the same traditional, often intimidating, or overly formal atmosphere,” said the brand’s co-founder. “We wanted to change that by making sushi approachable and fun.” The result? A restaurant that fuses high-quality sushi with the pulse of rock music, capturing the spirit of your favorite concert while delivering crowd-pleasing rolls with names like VIP, Punk Rock, and Crowd Surfer.
Behind this flavorful revolution are founders Lance and Gerri Mach Hallmark, both seasoned hospitality professionals. In 2009, while working together in a casino food and beverage department, they sketched the concept that would become Rock N Roll Sushi. The vision came to life a year later, with sweat equity and pure grit converting a former T-shirt shop into the brand’s first buzzing location.
The turning point toward franchising came with a dose of serendipity. Their very first server, Leslie, and her husband, Chase McCleskey, expressed interest in becoming franchisees. That first franchise unit marked the beginning of what has become an unstoppable movement—today, the McCleskeys are successful multi-unit owners and champions of the brand’s ongoing expansion.
A High-Energy Concept That Hits Every Demographic
Rock N Roll Sushi isn’t just about great food—it’s about creating a vibe. From looping music videos to a fun, casual setting, the concept welcomes everyone from die-hard sushi lovers to the “sushi curious.”
“We serve two key audiences,” the founders shared. “Those who want to try sushi but are intimidated by traditional settings, and those who already love sushi but also crave a fun, social dining experience.”
And the menu delivers. Alongside their famed Headliner Rolls, guests can find hibachi-style chicken, filet, shrimp, ramen, and a fan-favorite: house-made wontons with signature Head Banger sauce. It’s this crave-worthy mix of flavors and vibes that led one Arizona location to become a community hub. “I received two photos that perfectly captured what we envisioned—one of eight uniformed police officers enjoying lunch, and another of two families dining after a soccer game,” the founder recalled. “Seeing such a diverse group of guests reminded us why we do what we do.”
Scaling at Full Volume: A Franchise on Fire
Already the largest full-service sushi franchise in the U.S., Rock N Roll Sushi is accelerating at full throttle. With plans to open 100 new locations in the next three years, the brand is eyeing major growth across the Midwest—especially Michigan—and its rapidly expanding stronghold in Florida.
The investment range for a new franchisee runs between $300,000 and $795,000, making it a viable option for both experienced multi-unit operators and passionate single-unit entrepreneurs. “Passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic are key to success in our franchise system,” said the team.
Franchisees benefit from robust support, including training at headquarters in Destin, FL, on-site launch assistance, marketing strategy support, and ongoing operational guidance. And while the food may seem complex, Rock N Roll Sushi has found ways to streamline prep and scale quality—including early adoption of robotics in sushi production.
“During COVID, we fully embraced third-party delivery, which helped us retain off-premise demand. Today, over 40% of our sales come from those channels—compared to under 20% before the pandemic,” the founders said.
A Flavorful Future Amplified by Purpose
As they look to the future, the Rock N Roll Sushi team is staying grounded in its core mission: to deliver an amplified, approachable, and unforgettable sushi experience. With a brand identity built on energy, nostalgia, and boldness, they’re poised to continue shaking up the sushi space one high-octane location at a time.
“Our long-term vision is to remain steadfast in our mission to create a multi-sensory dining event where bold flavors meet an electric atmosphere,” they said. “It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience.”
For those interested in riding the wave of this rock-fueled franchise, the founders welcome inquiries at www.RockNRollSushi.com.
