Where Is Beyond Sushi From Shark Tank Today?

If you're vegan or vegetarian, you may be on the lookout for creative meal options you can enjoy on a whim. While veggie-filled sandwiches and hummus paired with crackers are convenient meal replacements, you might also crave more specific dishes, such as vegetable sushi with Asian dipping sauce. If you happen to live on the east coast, you may have even experienced the unique enjoyment of dining on vegan sushi offered at one of three Beyond Sushi locations in Manhattan.

You may remember Beyond Sushi owner Guy Vaknin after seeing him on Season 10, Episode 3 of "Shark Tank" in 2018. At the time, Vaknin had seen an exorbitant amount of success with his signature vegan sushi, made exclusively with vegetables and black rice. He was hoping to expand his grab-and-go business outside of New York City and move into the west coast market. The business owner went on "Shark Tank" asking for $1.5 million in exchange for 25% equity on future west coast earnings and 5% equity from his current east coast operations. 

In the end, Vaknin scored a joint deal with guest judge Matt Higgins and longtime investor Lori Greiner for the proposed amount. Vaknin is now a multi-level business owner, not only heading three Beyond Sushi locations but also multiple vegan restaurants and catering services.

Since Beyond Sushi opened its third location in 2014, the company has experienced an enormous amount of business. Founder Guy Vaknin began his culinary ventures after enrolling and graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education and taking over his father's catering company, Esprit Events, as head chef. While he began serving his signature vegan sushi across Manhattan, Vaknin decided to start a business in 2012 with his wife, Tali. Vaknin quickly earned an appearance on "Hell's Kitchen" Season 10, and, with the urging of his partner, decided to ask for an investment on "Shark Tank" in 2018.

Before appearing on the popular ABC show, Vaknin built his vegan sushi business by taking customer feedback seriously and keeping his company in line with technological advancements. After scoring an investment on "Shark Tank" from Matt Higgins and Lori Greiner, Vaknin decided to back out of the deal and focus on growing the business internally. 

While Beyond Sushi had grown to seven NYC-based locations, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the business in 2020. The popular vegan restaurant has been whittled down to three storefronts, which Vaknin has expanded into more in-person dining establishments. Even though Beyond Sushi is still remarkably successful, Vaknin has also added culinary investments from both the restaurant and catering industries since his 2018 "Shark Tank" debut.

While you can always make a homemade vegan kale and black sesame sushi bowl, if you live in Manhattan, you can also dine at one of Guy Vaknin's latest vegan restaurants. In 2019, Vaknin and his wife, Tali, took their success in the food business one step further and opened a vegan catering company in New York City, called City Roots Hospitality.

In 2021 and 2022 the Beyond Sushi founder opened two new vegan, kosher restaurants: Willow, which focuses on American food, and Coletta, which has more of an Italian vibe. 

For those who seek out creative twists to vegan classics, Vaknin is fully committed to formulating stellar vegan dishes that go one step further in terms of taste and originality. In fact, the Beyond Sushi founder hopes to open four more restaurants by 2025. Even though Beyond Sushi has seen immeasurable success in years past, Guy Vaknin has pivoted his focus to more sit-down dining establishments, where he can allow his creative culinary talent to shine. With that being said, Beyond Sushi is still up and running, and each NYC location gives customers more room to relax and enjoy a sit-down meal.