***** Sushigami *****
***** Sushigami *****
Yesterday afternoon Jeff Eats was in Sawgrass Mills, 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, Florida 33323 and came across a fast food concept that I thought you guys might like to know about…Sushigami (954–835-9070). For you folks out there who don’t know what Sawgrass Mills is…just imagine every regional mall and discount outlet in the world under one roof. For a point of reference Sushigami is located right in front of the Forever 21 store.
Anyway…
While walking around this seemingly endless mall, Jeff Eats spotted Sushigami a fast-food sushi joint and it “blew” me away…Picture a huge oval counter with seating—in the middle of the oval is an open sushi kitchen where you can “see” the prep work…running along the entire counter is a conveyor-belt system which delivers various sushi/food items to seated customers…customers pick what they want by removing item(s) from the conveyor belt…the items’ plates are colored coded and there is a wait-staff that roams the perimeter billing customers based on the number of plates selected and the plates’ respective colors.
Trust me on this one, this Sushigami “thing” was really cool…at 4pm on a Sunday it was jammed with people waiting to get a counter seat. Jeff Eats didn’t count the seats- but I’m gonna guess that there were at least 75. Rather than my knocking myself trying to fully explain Sushigami– take a look at www.simon.com/mall/sawgrassmills/stores/sushigami there are a whole bunch of photos and you do know what they say about one picture, don’t you?…For those who don’t–and I quote…”One picture is worth a thousand words.”
Let me close by saying…
Jeff Eats- eats and has eaten all over South Florida. I’ve been to all kinds of food joints…I’ve heard and read about countless restaurant business concepts…
I just want you guys to know, that Sushigami was one of the most creative-dynamic fast food businesses I’ve seen in a very long time. For sure, this concept can’t be plopped down just anywhere, but in the right high-traffic location- this business will find a gigantic customer base.
Just so you know, Jeff Eats didn’t “try” Sushigami’s food… I briefly look at its color-coded menu–but in all honesty, it was the joint’s physical layout and creativity that really caught my eye.
One final caveat, Jeff Eats is smart enough to know that…
If Sushigami’s food isn’t good and priced right…no matter how cool the stainless steel conveyor-belt looks, it will end up as scrap metal in some yard-somewhere!
jeff,
I was in London and Amsterdam 2 weeks ago. I saw this concept in several locations in both cities.
different name but same idea.
brilliant idea.
all of the ones I saw were packed with people.
you are right you need a very populated mall or area for this to work. south beach in fl would be perfect.
From some guy giving a foot massage to a sushi belt just love you jeff. Both stories were interesting. the foot massage sounds gross.
Jeff, just looked at various pictures of this thing. looks dynamite. need a real busy spot to open one of these.
I saw this concept over 20 years ago in New York. I tried it and the sushi stunk. Never wnet back. You are dead on, it’s a combination of location and decent food that will make this work.
Looks like a winner to me. Hope his food is good.
Jeff check out sushi ninja in boca same concept but with little boats floating in front of you. Really good high quality sushi
I thought conveyer belt sushi died out. I guess not and good luck to them I’ll see them next time at Sawgrass
****I saw this concept over 20 years ago in New York.
I ate at those places. It died out there because too plebeian so could not make the rent at least in Manhattan. Florida is different
very cool idea. needs to be in the right place to work.
GOSushi has locations in many places around the world. They are masters at this business. The earlier post said he saw that place in Amsterdam and London. The price is right and the plates are color coded to indicate prices. After a certain amount of time anything not purchased is paid. I think less than an hour. I have not tried Gosushi but heard it is pretty good, especially for the price
Rob
ive seen this type of operation ineurope. its really cool.
I also know the spot that this one is in sawgrass. its a very good location.
I saw pictures of it and it looks great.
if the food is good and the prices reasonable it should do very well.
Looked at photos on Simon’s site.
Looks dynamite.
Going to try it this weekend.
Made a little typo in my post, The food goes on the conveyor and after a short time anything not sold is tossed out. You cant get a piece that has been rolling around for hours.
Sun Sentinel did a story on it today.