Enabling Food Labeling Efficiency with FX3-LX: A Partnership Built for Growth

About the Customer

A fast-growing sushi and Asian cuisine company has expanded steadily since the 1990s. What started with a handful of sushi bars in supermarkets has grown to operate over 200 stores across the Northeast and 138 additional locations along the East Coast. In 2020, the business rebranded with a focus on delivering a broader range of fresh, ready-to-eat sushi and Asian cuisine to consumers across its retail network.

The Challenge

Launching their rebranded operations, the customer sought a dependable, space-conscious labeling solution for their in-store sushi kitchens. Their requirements were clear: the printer had to be compact, intuitive to use, and operate independently of a tablet or PC. Because internet access could not be guaranteed at all store locations, the solution also needed to function entirely offline. The primary use case involved printing 8” x 2” food container sealing labels that included key information, such as product name, price, weight, ingredients, and allergens, pulled from a database of approximately 100 items.

The SATO Solution

After seeing the FX3-LX printer running AEP (Application Enabled Printing) software at a trade show, the customer partnered with SATO to build a tailored solution. SATO provided everything needed for seamless implementation: FX3-LX printers, a custom-designed AEP application, proprietary label media, and a service contract to ensure uptime during critical business hours.

The AEP program was developed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training and no external computing devices. Custom label media was designed to match the customer's exact print dimensions and content layout needs. Service agreements were included to ensure fast, dependable technical support when needed, providing peace of mind across dozens of busy store locations.

What Made the Difference

SATO’s all-in-one approach made the difference. By delivering a turnkey solution—including hardware, software, media, and service—the customer was able to launch operations quickly without technical delays or integration concerns. The offline functionality of the FX3-LX, paired with the custom AEP software, addressed the customer’s unique connectivity and usability requirements. SATO’s flexibility and responsiveness enabled the customer to focus on food quality and customer service, rather than printer setup.

The Results

As the company prepares for rapid expansion in 2025—with projected growth exceeding 100%, SATO remains a key partner in its scaling efforts. Plans are underway for a new label design that will include color branding and nutritional data panels, further enhancing their product presentation in stores.

A Trusted Partnership

What began as a tactical equipment sale has grown into a strong, strategic relationship. Regular touchpoints and collaborative problem-solving have positioned SATO as a trusted partner for all printer and media needs. As the customer progresses through each stage of growth, SATO continues to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that support their evolving business objectives.