Company Profile

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The name ‘Banzai’ means ‘Ten Thousand Generations’ and is an expression of longevity.

History and Company Story

Henderson Mar, company president and chief sushi scientist of Banzai Sushi, studied cell biology and biochemistry during his undergraduate studies at UC Berkley and his graduate studies at the University of Oregon.

In 1991 Henderson and his wife Janis founded Entrees, Inc in Seattle, Washington.  The company has grown increasingly since it then and is now producing over 4 million pieces of sushi a year.  Being located in Seattle gives Banzai access to reliable sources of the highest quality sushi.

The company’s initial business plan focused on catering and upscale food service with an emphasis on Pacific Rim Cuisine. To increase market share, the company introduced sushi to its existing product line. Originally, the sushi was out-sourced from an established Seattle seafood institution. By 1992, sushi had become the most popular item on the menu, so the decision was made to increase profits by bringing the production in-house. Initial results from popular cookbooks were disappointing, so Henderson decided to alter recipes based on his specific needs and for retail applications.

After extensive research and development, and a passion to create something new, he developed a process for producing sushi that was superior to anything on the market. It soon became apparent that a crucial business decision needed to be made between the catering business and a new market: sushi manufacturing. The choice was clear – for the continued growth of the company, sushi manufacturing would now be the main business focus.

In an effort to capitalize on the growing popularity of sushi, the company sought to increase its market share beyond local distribution channels. In 1995, Henderson began researching and spent two years of intensive research developing a frozen sushi line that also has an extended shelf-life in excess of 9 months. As a result, the company met its goal of developing a product available for nationwide distribution. In 1997, the company introduced its frozen sushi product line alongside its successful fresh sushi products.

Since its introduction, the frozen sushi line has had the distinction of winning awards for taste and quality from industry trade shows and culinary institutes. Due to the dedication of its employees and their passion for customer service, the company has become nationally recognized in the food service industry as the largest premier sushi manufacturer and distributor in the Northwest. The company continues to grow and expand as its sushi becomes known throughout the United States and abroad. Currently, its markets include over thirteen countries in Europe. The company’s high quality and uncompromising FDA food safety manufacturing procedures are the key to the international interest in its products.

Banzai Sushi has strategically positioned itself in the unchallenged position of supplying consistent, high quality sushi and sushi-related products to today’s food service and grocery business. Based on limited competition, a proven product and strategic growth, it is the company’s objective to continue to grow and to expand its markets globally. The Company will continue to maintain a high standard of excellence in the areas of product development, distribution applications and innovative marketing programs.

What We Are All About— Sushi

            Banzai is committed to offering a wide range of sushi products, both fresh and frozen.  In the retail channel Banzai offers four varieties of bagged frozen sushi; California, Seattle, Pacific Shrimp and Smoked Salmon.  For its hospitality, distributor, educational institution, and food service provider channels Banzai offers 48 varieties of sushi including rolls and nigiri.  To check out our products visit (www.banzai-sushi.com)

            Banzai is constantly growing and stretching itself in an effort to get its product to all corners of the US and abroad.  A list of grocery stores where you can find Banzai’s retail sushi is available on our website.  Banzai will soon be in a grocery store near you.

            Banzai is proud to be shipping dependable shipments of frozen sushi to Germany and other markets throughout Europe.  Banzai’s consistent quality, food safety procedures and natural, GMO-free products make it an easy choice for European customers.

Commitment to Quality

            Banzai understands the importance of producing the highest quality sushi.  In this fast growing industry, consumers settle for nothing short of the best so Banzai takes many measures to ensure their products meet these standards.  By following the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) regulations and using temperature recorders to monitor sushi temperature throughout distribution, Banzai is able to ensure that each piece of sushi is the best Banzai has to offer.

Innovation – (New products- dessert)

            The idea of producing a frozen sushi product was innovative in itself, but Banzai has taken it to the next level.      After more than 500 test, Henderson Mar was able to create a frozen sushi recipe which, once frozen and thawed, would taste just as good as fresh.  The goal of the frozen sushi is to make sushi convenient for everyone.  With the introduction of many gourmet frozen products, such as pizza, Chinese food, and desserts, frozen sushi is sure to become another commonly seen item in the frozen food department of grocery stores. 

            Banzai Sushi is constantly growing and stretching is menu by adding new and groundbreaking products.  In November 2006 Banzai Sushi began to offer its Yomame rolls, rice with fruits, cream cheese and edamame beans.  This new product is unlike anything Banzai had ever made.  The first dessert sushi of its kind, Yomame is a healthy snack for children, with all the vitamins and minerals parents love.

Sponsorships & Donations

            Banzai is proud to sponsor local arts by donating sushi to the Seattle Opera through their Ovation Program and Bravo Club.  Seattle Opera's BRAVO! Club is the premier Seattle-area arts organization for young people between the ages of 21 and 39, while the Ovation Program is an array of discounts and special offers from Seattle area businesses for donors who contribute $150 and above. 

Banzai’s Natural Sushi

            While Banzai has always chosen products from sources that are environmentally responsible, Banzai is proud to say that 100%  of its products are preservative-free and that 80% of its products are all-natural. Only food coloring in a small percentage of our products prevents us from being all-natural in our entire product line.  Unfortunately, the USDA does not recognize fish, even fresh caught fish, as being organic and therefore prevents sushi from being certified organic as well.  Until Banzai can become organic certified, they will continue to make sushi with fresh and natural products, with no preservatives.  Customers can feel confident knowing that what they are eating is good for them when it comes from Banzai Sushi.  Sushi is a well balanced food because it is a healthy combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and protein. Sushi is also very low in saturated fat.  To learn more about the many benefits of fresh and frozen sushi read “Sushi…The Newest Health Food.”

Contact Information

427 NE 72^nd ST                                              

Seattle, WA 98115                                         

(206) 625 1116                                               

888-4-U-Sushi            

www.banzai-sushi.com