Franchising

Sushi Maki debuts 'polished fast casual' prototype

The Las Olas Roll features mango and sustainably sourced salmon. Provided.

November 16, 2021

Sushi Maki is now open in Fort Lauderdale's business district, according to CEO Abe Ng who has deemed it, "polished fast casual."

The restaurant, which represents the company's first stand-alone location in Broward County, occupies a 2,500-square-foot space at 200 East Las Olas Boulevard. Plans call for hiring over 25 full- and part-time team members from the neighborhood, according to a press release.

"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 everyday by making our sushi available to our customers when, where and how they want it," Ng said in the 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."

It represents an evolution of traditional fast casual by including real glassware and plate ware rather than disposable options and enabling customers to choose whether to order from team members or QR codes. They may dine at tables or pick up their meals curbside from dedicated grab-and-go parking spots.

The Fort Lauderdale location also features new menu options, including the Las Olas Roll with mango and sustainably sourced salmon as well as Tuna Poke Nachos.

Ng is investing a significant amount in the custom build-out and in local community partnerships and outreach, as he has done at his other locations throughout the region.

"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.