Simon Woodroffe’s former chemistry teacher once predicted that he would either become a millionaire or end up in jail, and it turned out both came true for the founder of the popular restaurant chain Yo! Sushi and a well-known investor on the television show Dragons’ Den.
Now 74, Woodroffe reflects on his journey from a privileged upbringing and attending prestigious Marlborough College to leaving school with minimal qualifications and entering the music industry as a roadie. His career quickly advanced, leading him to become a stage designer for renowned musicians like Sir Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as contributing to Live Aid.
In an exclusive interview ahead of his autobiography release, Woodroffe acknowledges his past persona as “loud, obsessed, egotistical, and self-centered,” but emphasizes his current more tempered outlook on life.
Despite his £50 million net worth and residing in Thailand without paying UK taxes, Woodroffe unapologetically expresses his views on various contentious topics. He suggests radical solutions for the future of the high street, advocating for innovative transformations like turning shopping malls into apartments, climbing walls, or landing areas for drones. Additionally, he questions the role of the government and proposes governance by a new generation of tech-savvy individuals instead of traditional politicians.
Woodroffe gained public attention with the inception of Yo! Sushi in 1997, a groundbreaking concept at the time with conveyor belts and robotic elements. Despite his lack of experience in the restaurant industry, he successfully sold the business for approximately £12 million, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen.
A pivotal moment in Woodroffe’s life occurred in 1970 when he served time in a detention center for drug-related offenses. Following his release, he embarked on a path to rebuild his life, eventually transitioning to stage design and later venturing into business with the launch of Yo! Sushi.
Woodroffe’s entrepreneurial ventures extended beyond Yo! Sushi, including the successful hotel chain Yotel and ambitious projects like the proposed transformation of the Millennium Dome into a beach-themed venue called The Beach.
Looking ahead, Woodroffe remains focused on furthering the Yo! brand, expressing contentment with his current state of happiness and considering himself fortunate for the journey he has undertaken.
