At Berardi Immigration Law, we are proud to help entrepreneurs bring unique and high-quality hospitality concepts to the United States. In a recent matter, we assisted a Canadian investor in securing an E-2 visa to acquire and launch a Japanese-inspired restaurant in South Florida, with plans for long-term expansion into a multi-location hospitality brand.
A Concept Built on Quality and Experience
Our client developed a hospitality concept focused on delivering a premium dining experience rooted in traditional Japanese culinary principles. The restaurant blends an intimate omakase-style approach with a refined, accessible dining environment designed to appeal to a broader customer base.
The concept emphasizes:
- High-quality sourcing of ingredients, including specialty imports
- A balance between authenticity and modern dining preferences
- A commitment to sustainability and operational excellence
This vision is the foundation for a broader growth strategy aimed at developing multiple locations across the United States.
Strategic Entry Through Business Acquisition
To establish a presence in the U.S. market, the client formed a U.S. entity and acquired the assets of an existing restaurant operation in Miami, Florida. This acquisition provided a strong operational foundation, including:
- Existing kitchen infrastructure and equipment
- Established leasehold and physical premises
- Initial inventory and operational setup
By acquiring an existing business rather than starting from scratch, the client was able to accelerate the launch timeline and begin operations more efficiently.
Substantial Investment in Launch and Operations
The client made a substantial investment to acquire and launch the business. This investment demonstrates a clear commitment to establishing a viable, operating enterprise in the United States.
Key expenditures included:
- Business Acquisition: Purchase of an existing restaurant’s assets, forming the foundation of the new concept
- Legal and Professional Services: Corporate formation, immigration, and compliance-related services
- Lease and Facility Costs: Securing and maintaining a commercial restaurant space
- Operational Setup: Equipment, technology systems, and software to support daily restaurant functions
- Staffing: Hiring and compensating U.S.-based employees to support opening and operations
- Insurance and Utilities: Coverage and operational expenses necessary to run a full-service restaurant
This diversified investment reflects a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to launching a hospitality business.
Clear and Documented Source of Funds
A key strength of this case was the clear and traceable source of investment funds. The capital originated from family-controlled assets, which were transferred through established financial channels to fund both the business acquisition and startup expenses.
We worked closely with the client to document:
- The origin of the investment funds
- Transfers from related entities into the U.S. business
- The use of those funds for legitimate, business-related expenditures
This documentation confirmed that the investment was lawful, at risk, and irrevocably committed to the enterprise.
A Bona Fide, Non-Marginal Business
The U.S. company was established as a bona fide, actively operating enterprise with strong revenue potential and clear plans for growth. At the time of filing, the company had:
- Secured a fully operational restaurant space
- Invested in necessary equipment and infrastructure
- Begun staffing and preparing for launch
Importantly, the business demonstrated strong future viability, including:
- Significant projected revenue, exceeding $1 million in the first year
- Substantial job creation, with plans to hire a team of U.S. workers immediately and expand staffing over time
- A scalable concept, with plans to grow into a multi-location hospitality brand
These factors clearly established that the enterprise is not marginal and is expected to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy.
From Launch to Long-Term Vision
This case highlights how entrepreneurs can successfully enter the U.S. hospitality market through strategic acquisition, careful investment, and strong operational planning. By combining a distinctive concept with a solid business foundation, the client positioned the restaurant for both immediate success and long-term growth.
With E-2 visa approval, the client is now able to lead day-to-day operations, refine the concept, and execute a broader expansion strategy.
Expanding a Hospitality Concept in the U.S. through E-2 Visa
This E-2 visa success story demonstrates how hospitality ventures—particularly those grounded in strong concept development and operational execution—can qualify for the E-2 visa with the right investment and structure. By acquiring an existing business and building upon it, our client established a compelling platform for success in the United States.
If you are considering launching or expanding a hospitality concept in the United States through the E-2 visa program, Berardi Immigration Law is here to help. Our team provides clear, strategic guidance to support a smooth and successful business launch.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your U.S. expansion.
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