Wegmans Faces Lawsuit Over Fish Market at New Manhattan Store

Wegmans, the popular grocery chain, is facing legal action over allegations that the fish market inside its newly opened Manhattan location copies the concept of Osakana, a renowned East Village fish and sushi business. The lawsuit, filed this week in New York County Supreme Court, accuses Wegmans of creating an “uncanny and confusingly similar resemblance” to Osakana, potentially violating business secrets and intellectual property.

According to the lawsuit, Osakana owner Yuji Haraguchi claims that three companies—Culimer USA, Red Shell Sushi, and Culinary Collaborations—shared proprietary knowledge about his business with Wegmans. Haraguchi alleges that this led to the replication of Osakana’s unique style and branding in Wegmans’ Astor Place store. The lawsuit seeks at least $1 million in damages for the alleged infringement.

Osakana, which opened in 2016, was put up for sale by Haraguchi last year. During the sales process, Haraguchi claims that the involved companies gained access to confidential information about his business. Shortly after these discussions, Wegmans unveiled its seafood concept, Sakanaya, in its new 87,500-square-foot Manhattan store. Sakanaya features fresh fish imported from Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market and offers an omakase experience—similar to Osakana’s offerings.

The lawsuit further highlights the proximity of the two businesses, which are located just blocks apart, and alleges that Wegmans mimicked not only Osakana’s concept but also its name and branding. Haraguchi points out that “Osakana” and “Sakanaya” share striking similarities, differing only by the removal of one letter and the addition of “ya.” The legal filing also claims that Wegmans used an identical font, intensifying consumer confusion.

Haraguchi asserts that both businesses target the same customer base and offer comparable sushi takeout products, deepening the potential for marketplace confusion. The Manhattan Wegmans, which opened in October, marked a significant milestone for the chain but now faces scrutiny as Haraguchi fights to protect his business’s originality and reputation.