Yoshi Sushi’s owner coveted the spot where Kuniko’s restaurant previously resided

Tim Harty, The Business Times 

When the owners of Kuniko’s Teriyaki Grill retired and closed the restaurant in mid-June, Nawl Za Hmung seized the opportunity to lease the space at 2695 Patterson Road, Suite 11, in Village Fair Plaza.

He said he had that location in mind for a sushi restaurant for the past three years and kept an eye on it. He didn’t want to miss his chance, he said, because he sees it as an ideal location.

“It is surrounded by the clinic and the hospital and university, so I think this is a great location,” he said.

Hmung needed time to do some renovation and buy new equipment, and he had hoped to open in October, but a few delays pushed Yoshi Sushi’s opening back. It finally opened to customers Dec. 10.

Hmung, who is 33 years old, said he came to Grand Junction four years ago, and he’s a chef with about nine years of experience in hibachi and sushi restaurants. And while he was working to open Yoshi Sushi, he also helped his younger brother, Bik Thawng, who owns Sumo Sushi, 220 Palmer St. in Delta.

Hmung said Yoshi Sushi’s food will be made-to-order, and service will be similar to fast-casual places where customers place their order at the counter, then wait for their number to be called. The restaurant can seat about 30 people.

The menu includes a variety of regular rolls and special rolls, plus rice bowls and sushi burritos, and Hmung made it a point to mention Yoshi Sushi will serve fruit teas and flavored teas.

He also emphasized Yoshi Sushi’s food is “good quality and a good price,” and added, “If they are looking for, like, a Poké bowl, it’ll be a good place.”

Yoshi Sushi is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.