Roger Asakil Joya, originally from Cavite, Philippines, rose from being a cleaner at a sushi restaurant to owning Norway’s largest sushi chain. Today, he’s recognized as the ‘Sushi Master’ of Norway, boasting three ‘Michelin Star’ restaurants among his establishments.
Joya’s impressive chain consists of 45 restaurants, and he has an annual net worth of 300 million Kroner, equivalent to 1.5 billion pesos.
“I came to Norway when I was 17. I began studying their language and understanding their way of life. Eventually, I found work at a restaurant in Oslo,” shared Joya with ABS-CBN News, who now wears the dual hats of a Sushi Master and a businessman.
It was during his stint at the sushi restaurant that Joya identified the potential for his own establishment. “I recognized a great opportunity to commence my career as a sushi chef. I climbed the professional ladder with dedication and hard work. Upon reaching a certain level, I initiated Sabi Sushi in Stavanger,” Joya elaborated.
Now, Joya doesn’t just own one restaurant but has five, three of which have the prestigious Michelin stars. In addition to these, he runs the 45 restaurant chains. “Many of the sushi chefs working with me now have qualifications certified in Japan,” he proudly added.
Among those he mentored is Chef Juan Wong III. “He was my mentor. He believed in me, and now I own two branches in Tonsberg and Sandefjord. I owe my restaurants to Chef Roger,” expressed Chef Juan, a successful franchisee himself.
Joya’s advice for those aspiring to own a restaurant and prosper in life? “Learn about restaurant management economics. It’s not as straightforward as it seems,” he counseled.
But Joya’s vision goes beyond just his businesses. He is committed to guiding fellow Filipinos in Norway, helping them embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.