Colliers secures major hospitality deals with Kaizen Food Group as experiential dining replaces traditional retail anchors.
Colliers has secured a series of high-profile hospitality deals across Sydney’s CBD, delivering a curated mix of leading Japanese and international food concepts.
Led by Colliers retail leasing experts Jo Windybank and Michael Tuck, the transactions introduce some of the most talked-about dining brands into prime CBD locations, tapping into a surge in demand for accessible, experience-led venues that are re-energising the city’s food scene.
The portfolio includes Mensho Tokyo Ramen, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba, Hamba-go, Osaka DonutLab and Pizza Studio Tamaki.
The deals land at a time when casual dining is firmly back in focus. New research shows 60% of Australians are prioritising casual, affordable meals in 2026, as diners seek high-quality experiences without the formality of traditional fine dining.
At the same time, a new wave of globally recognised, highly shareable concepts is driving momentum, with venues gaining traction well before opening through social media hype, chef pedigrees and cult followings. With the majority of diners now using social platforms to choose where to eat, venues are building followings and filling reservations long before opening their doors.
Pizza Studio Tamaki is a prime example, bringing its Michelin rated, Tokyo-born take on Neapolitan pizza to Sydney, where its meticulous craftsmanship and international reputation have already attracting significant social media attention and bookings months in advance.
Similarly, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, one of the world’s largest and most recognised gyukatsu brands, continues to draw crowds globally for its highly specialised offering and fast-casual format, showcasing the strength of Japanese dining concepts that balance quality, theatre and accessibility.
Beyond servicing the daily workforce, these concepts are also playing a growing role in enhancing Sydney’s appeal as a global dining destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking out unique, culturally relevant experiences.
Colliers’ approach focused on strategic site selection, deep market insight and close collaboration with landlords, ensuring each brand is positioned for long-term success while contributing to a broader precinct effect.
Jo Windybank, Senior Executive | Retail Leasing at Colliers, said, “We’re seeing a new era of dining-led activation in the CBD, where the right operator can generate buzz well beyond their footprint.
“These are brands people are actively seeking out, they’re trending on social media, building queues before opening, and creating genuine excitement around coming back into the city.
“What’s driving it is the balance of quality and accessibility. Diners want something memorable, but they also want it to feel casual, social and repeatable, and that’s exactly what these concepts deliver.”
Michael Tuck, Colliers Head of Retail Leasing Australia, added, “The resurgence of casual dining is playing a critical role in the CBD’s recovery.
“These are brands building audiences well before launch, driven by social media, global recognition and genuine credibility. By the time the doors open, demand is already there.
“What we’re doing is taking that energy and placing it into key CBD locations, where it can translate into daily foot traffic, stronger asset performance and a more vibrant city experience.
The success of the approach is already being realised, with several venues attracting strong pre-opening interest and sustained social media attention, reinforcing the role of hospitality as a primary driver of CBD foot traffic.
The latest deals highlight a broader shift in leasing strategy, as landlords prioritise curated, experience-driven tenant mixes that reflect evolving consumer behaviour and ensure long-term asset relevance.
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