Meet FARZAD SHIMON YOUSHEI of YOOSHI SUSHI CATERING

Today we’d like to introduce you to FARZAD SHIMON YOUSHEI.

Hi FARZAD SHIMON, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a full-time passion. I started Yooshi Sushi Catering over a decade ago with a simple idea: bring fresh, high-quality sushi to events in a way that feels personal, engaging, and unforgettable. At the time, most sushi catering felt impersonal or limited to trays. I wanted to create something that brought the experience of a sushi bar—chefs, interaction, creativity—directly to celebrations.

It started small: a few private parties and word-of-mouth bookings. But the response was overwhelming. People loved not only the food, but the energy and experience. From there, I focused on refining the concept: seamless logistics, beautiful presentation, top-tier ingredients, and a VIP-level customer experience.

Over the years, we’ve had the honor of catering everything from intimate backyard gatherings to large corporate events and weddings. We’ve grown our team, built meaningful partnerships, and earned our kosher certification under the strict supervision of Rabbi Moshe Avila—all while staying true to what made Yooshi special from the start: real hospitality, real sushi, made fresh on-site.

And now, we’re still evolving—with new packages like our Sushi Boat experience and the launch of our fish delivery service, Hunt & Gather. But at the heart of it all is the same mission: to elevate every event with sushi that’s as memorable as the moment itself.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—but I wouldn’t trade the journey.

Like many small business owners, I started with a vision and very few resources. In the early days, it was just me doing everything—prepping fish, taking bookings, setting up stations, and even washing dishes after events. Balancing quality with growth was a real challenge. I never wanted to cut corners, especially when it came to sourcing fish or maintaining the guest experience, but that came with higher costs and tighter margins.

Then there’s the nature of catering itself—high-pressure, time-sensitive, and deeply personal. We’re not just delivering food; we’re showing up for people’s biggest moments. Weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate launches—it has to be flawless. There were times we had equipment failures, last-minute guest count changes, or back-to-back events with barely enough time to breathe. Each time, we learned and adjusted.

COVID also hit the events industry hard. We had to pause, pivot, and think creatively. That’s actually when some of our newer ideas—like our to-go offerings and the upcoming Hunt & Gather delivery concept—started taking shape.

The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge helped shape what Yooshi is today: resilient, adaptable, and always focused on delivering something meaningful and memorable.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Yooshi, we specialize in live-action sushi catering for private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings across Los Angeles and beyond. Our chefs don’t just serve sushi—they create an immersive culinary experience, preparing everything fresh on-site with precision, style, and personality. It’s high-end sushi, elevated by interaction and hospitality.

We’re best known for our sushi bar setups, where guests can engage directly with the chefs, request custom rolls, and watch the artistry unfold in real time. Every detail matters—from the quality of our fish to the visual presentation of the station. Whether it’s a backyard party or a black-tie gala, we aim to make our service feel effortless for the host and unforgettable for the guests.

What sets us apart is our blend of professionalism, innovation, and warmth. We’ve built our reputation on consistency, creativity, and the ability to adapt to any space or crowd. We’re also proudly kosher certified under the strict supervision of Rabbi Moshe Avila, and can accommodate dietary sensitivities, including gluten-free (Celiac-safe) preparation.

We’ve recently introduced specialty offerings like our Sushi Boat Package—a stunning 6ft boat filled with nigiri, sashimi, crispy rice, and rolls, designed for smaller events with big impact. And we’re getting ready to launch Hunt & Gather, our premium fresh fish delivery service, to bring the same quality to home kitchens.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Event planners, caterers, and families come back to us because they know we’ll deliver—on time, on point, and with care. We’re not trying to be trendy. We’re here to offer something that feels timeless, elevated, and real.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a large-scale celebration, Yooshi is here to make the sushi part of your event seamless, stunning, and seriously good.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor isn’t always about approaching someone with a formal request—it’s about paying attention to the people around you who are already doing something well, and being open to learning from them. For me, some of the best mentorship has come organically through relationships in the industry—vendors I worked alongside at events, business owners I respected, or even longtime clients who offered guidance just by sharing their perspective.

When it comes to networking, the best advice I can give is: show up consistently, be reliable, and add value first. Relationships in this business are everything. Event planners, venues, and other vendors remember how you made their job easier—or harder. If you’re someone who communicates clearly, follows through, and genuinely cares about the outcome, people will want to work with you again.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Some of our most valuable partnerships came from doing a great job at a small event, where someone in the room happened to be planning a much larger one next.

At the end of the day, mentorship and networking are both about mutual respect and trust—build those first, and the rest tends to follow.

Pricing:

• Live Sushi Bar Experience Starting at $2,500, includes: On-site chef(s) Fresh sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls Full setup with wasabi, ginger, soy sauce, chopsticks 2-hour service Setup and breakdown included
• VIP Experience Starting at $3,500, includes: Premium fish selections (e.g., bluefin tuna, uni, toro) Higher chef-to-guest ratio Enhanced presentation and customization
• Sushi Boat Package $1,500 flat rate (feeds approx. 15 guests) Chef delivers and fills a 6ft sushi boat Includes nigiri, sashimi, rolls, crispy rice Drop-off and pick-up of the boat included

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.YOOSHISUSHI.COM
• Instagram: https://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/YOOSHICATERING
• Facebook: https://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/YOOSHICATERING
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzad-youshei-2ab614173/
• Twitter: https://WWW.TWITTER.COM/YOOSHICATERING
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yooshi-sushi-catering-and-event-production-los-angeles