Franchising

Sushi Maki debuting 'polished fast casual' prototype

August 19, 2021

Sushi Maki is opening a location in October in Fort Lauderdale, which CEO Abe Ng described as "polished fast casual dining."

"We are proud to introduce the first 'Polished Fast-Casual Sushi Bar,' a dining concept which further elevates our brand promise of providing premium, healthful and delicious sushi for the every day — by making our sushi available to our customers when, where and how they want it," Ng said in a company press release. "Our Polished Fast-Casual Concept combines the best of all worlds by offering premium food delivered with the speed, access and convenience today's customers prefer and will make our restaurant a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike."

The 2,500-square-foot restaurant, which represents the company's first stand-alone location in Broward County at 200 East Las Olas Boulevard, will employ over 25 full and part-time team members. It will use glassware and plates instead of disposable options, and customers may order from team members or via QR codes. Also, they may eat their meals at tables indoors or outdoors but can also pick up call-ahead orders via grab-and-go parking spots.

"Expanding to Fort Lauderdale's bustling Las Olas corridor is a pivotal strategic step as part of our continued expansion as South Florida's go-to sushi restaurant chain," Ng said. "We are seeing a growing demand for quality lunch and dinner options on Las Olas as our business-friendly region continues to attract local and national professionals and families. These individuals are migrating to Fort Lauderdale based on its attractive benefits, including beautiful weather, great schools, access to mass transit, central location between Miami and Palm Beach, and unique entertainment and amenities in what is becoming a regional destination to live, work and play."

Founded by Ng and his family in 2000, Sushi Maki has over 20 locations throughout South Florida, including stand-alone restaurants, Whole Foods Market stations, university dining and airport concession locations.