Japanese favourite Koji opposite Sunderland Empire goes up for sale

Koji, located on High Street West in Sunderland, has hit the market for £50,000.

The eatery has become a familiar stop for Sunderland theatre‑goers, offering Japanese dishes in a compact, stylish space directly opposite the Sunderland Empire.

The restaurant sits opposite Sunderland’s Empire Theatre. (Image: Rook Matthews Sayer)

Reviews describe it as a “cute little restaurant” and “really good pre‑theatre food”.

Thanks to its location near the Theatre, Koji enjoys a high-traffic spot in the heart of the city.

The current owners report a weekly turnover of £8,000 to £10,000, with the two-storey premises featuring an open-plan dining space with room for 40 to 50 diners and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

The restaurant also holds a five-star food hygiene rating, awarded following an inspection on March 7, 2024.

(Image: Rook Matthews Sayer)

The ground-floor dining area is finished to a modern standard, with timber flooring, exposed brickwork, feature lighting, and a fully licensed bar.

To the rear is a commercial kitchen complete with professional catering equipment, an extraction system, preparation areas, and refrigeration.

The first floor houses customer toilets and additional storage space.

Koji’s central location places it within walking distance of The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland Empire Theatre, and the city’s train and Metro stations.

The area is surrounded by shops, bars, cafes, and student accommodation, contributing to steady daytime and evening footfall from shoppers, students, and theatre audiences.

A spokesman for the agent marketing the property said: “This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced operator, first-time restaurateur or expanding hospitality group seeking an established and profitable business with significant scope for continued growth.”

“The business is offered as a genuine turnkey opportunity, with all fixtures, fittings and commercial catering equipment included, allowing a new owner to continue trading immediately with minimal additional capital expenditure.”

Public transport links and nearby parking further boost its accessibility for customers.