| Sushi Zushi opens on W. 5th Street |
| Written by Dan Viotto | |
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San Antonio based restaurant opens first of two Austin locations.
A Mexican-native of Japanese decent, Tomita had originally planned to open a Mexican restaurant, until he received a word of advice from his then 10-year-old son. “Do sushi.” he said. “Why don’t you do sushi?” After researching the market and examining the demographics of the city, Tomita developed a strategy that would set a sushi restaurant on its feet in San Antonio. He started out with less than 30 employees and built his business from the ground up, bussing tables, waiting on guests and managing all restaurant operations. Luis Ramirez (now Executive Head Chef of Sushi Zushi) brainstormed recipes, combining traditional Japanese flavors with a bit of Latin American flare. This fusion of cultures, cuisine and flavors remains one of the defining aspects of Sushi Zushi, setting it apart from its more traditional competitors. So what is it that accounts for the company’s exponential growth and makes the restaurant so appealing? Many would say the answer is “variety.” With a selection of over 300 menu items and 91 rolls, Sushi Zushi brings authentic and original interpretations of Japanese cuisine to the American palate. Cooked or raw, spicy or savory, traditional or unique, satisfaction is guaranteed for everyone from sushi purists to adventurous diners. The restaurant concept encourages diners to find their favorite dish, comfortably immerse themselves in a new cultural dining experience, and return with more knowledge about Japanese cuisine, culture and customs. Have a friend who needs an easy transition to sushi, but can’t get over the raw fish aversion? Recommend the Cosimo Roll: fried shrimp avocado and cream cheese, tempura fried and topped with a finely chopped crab salad, eel sauce and sprinkled with furikake seasoning. Or perhaps your palate for sushi is a bit more refined? Try the Diamond Roll: spicy shrimp, avocado and cilantro topped with habanero tobiko, fresh yellowtail and drizzled with a Spicy Sashimi Salad dressing. The possibilities are endless. Modify, add or remove items to customize your roll and make a point to try something new on your next visit. Not only does Sushi Zushi possess one of the most extensive menus in town, but also offers dine in, take out and delivery services! You’ll see the company’s 3 red Volkswagen Beetles, cruising around town as its delivery service becomes increasingly popular in the Austin area. Whether it’s work, home or somewhere in-between, fast, fresh delivery is guaranteed within an eight-mile radius of the restaurant. Drinks with your sushi? But of course! A recently revamped beer, wine and saké list features an unparalleled selection of fine alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your meal. Choose from 50+ wines from around the world or venture on to Sushi Zushi’s extensive premium saké collection to experience sushi in its original context. A signature cocktail list and a full bar make Sushi Zushi a great dining destination before a night out on the town. Sushi Zushi is a proud sponsor of both the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Ronald McDonald House Foundation, featuring signature rolls with their namesakes. A portion of the proceeds from the B&G and RMH rolls goes to benefit these charitable organizations. Join Sushi Zushi as they enter the Austin market, get a taste of something new and experience the world of sushi, redefined. The new Austin location is at 1611 W. 5th, Suite 105 Austin, Tx 78703 Please visit their website at www.sushizushi.co m or call 512.474.7000 |
Eight years ago, Alfonso Tomita, president and CEO of Sushi Zushi, opened his very first location in a small retail strip in NW San Antonio. The market was ripe for something fresh, new and creative and Tomita’s delivery of what the public wanted sparked a buzz throughout the city. At the time, the notion of fusion food was relatively unfamiliar to San Antonians, but as word of Sushi Zushi spread, so did the concept. Soon, locals began flocking to the Colonnade shopping center to taste a little of the East and West literally rolled into one.
Since 2001, Tomita’s restaurant has flourished and what started out as a new concept for San Antonio quickly grew into a full-service restaurant chain, complete with bar, wait staff and delivery team. Sushi Zushi now boats six Texas locations in three different cities and a promise to continue expanding into new markets.