First Japanese takeaway stall set for Sheffield
The first mobile Japanese fast food stall in Europe is set to hit the streets of Sheffield before December.
Willyaki, sells traditional Japanese dishes Takoyaki (Octopus) and Veggieyaki (mushroom and cheese), from a movable traditional stall.
William Christophers, Xinxin Cao and their team from the Business Simulation Society have been able to develop the project after finishing second in the Sheffield University-funded White Rose Centre Business Competition and receiving a cash prize of £5000.
They beat competition from 250 entries after forwarding their idea in a 30-page business plan, which was assisted with help from the Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA).
William said: “Takoyaki and I both originate from the Kansai area of Japan and, with Takoyaki being one of my favourite foods, I felt I just had to do it. This way we can offer good food and provide students with opportunities to run and work for Willyaki. It is incredibly hard for Japanese students to get a part-time job in England so I thought this would be the perfect answer.
“A van selling Takoyaki moving from place to place doesn’t require large capital and allows flexibility, which normal traditional businesses with fixed premises don’t allow. A percentage of our profits will also go to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity as part of our policy is always to return something back to the community.”
The first Willyaki unit is currently being created and hopes to be serving food every Tuesday from the end of November at the University of Sheffield concourse.
William admits he is indebted to the support he received from business advisor Mandip Dosanjh at SENTA for helping to lift the project off the ground.
He added: “SENTA provided us with some very good advice and showed how we should put together a detailed business plan. Mandip, especially, went above and beyond the call of duty, offering advice to us at all times of the day. He was our business mentor whenever we needed him.”
Mandip Dosanjh, Business Advisor at SENTA, said: “William came to us with a plan in place, but while it was well presented it was still very basic. We gave it more focus by giving him a template and a concept to follow.
“He kept working on the updated plan and we ensured the figures were realistic. We also helped William pull together market research, develop future plans and also take into consideration such things as legal, insurance and environmental health issues.
“The award was recognition for what is a very good idea and we wish him the best of luck in the development of Willyaki.”
Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA) is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old.
Its start-up programme is funded by Yorkshire Forward under contract with Business Link South Yorkshire.