Article Originally Published on Perishable News, click here to read the original
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sushi and craft beer lovers rejoice! Just six months after opening the nation’s first Hissho Sushi & Craft Beer Bar, the industry leader is now bringing the new concept to Northwest Arkansas, launching its second location inside an area Walmart.
“This opening of our second craft beer bar location showcases Hissho Sushi’s commitment to growth and redefining the experience of a customer’s evening at their local grocery store,” said Dan Beem, CEO of Hissho Sushi. “As we continue to emerge as a leader in our market, we’re proud to work with progressive retailers to create an experience that is worth coming back for every day.”
Supermarket prepared foods are the fastest growing sector of the foodservice industry, now exceeding $12.7 billion, according to the Food Marketing Institute. Hissho’s research shows that today’s consumers are looking for more than just product variety and competitive pricing – they’re looking for an experience. To maximize this growth and achieve consumers’ expectations, Hissho recognized that it needed to deliver an innovative idea that illustrated a premium experience, coupled with convenience, and provided easy access to delicious, everyday temptations: sushi and craft beer.
This new sit-down, sushi restaurant inside the Walmart Supercenter on South Pleasant Crossing Boulevard in Rogers steps up the customer experience to provide not only fresh, hand-rolled sushi, hot appetizers and more, but also a new way to enjoy them. The 2,000 square foot space will employ a team of 20, including highly trained, local sushi chefs who are passionate about the tempting and innovative sushi prepared each day with premium, responsibly sourced ingredients.
Customers will find traditional favorites like California rolls and Krispy Krab, alongside Spicy Red Pepper and Crunchy Shrimp rolls for the more daring palates. Along with Hissho’s innovative sushi rolls, customers will also find a full menu carrying hot appetizers, including Asian chicken wings and Boom Boom Shrimp, Dim Sum and an ever-changing list of craft beer on tap. The concept also includes a Healthy Morning Collection, carrying morning favorites like avocado toast, acai bowls and real fruit smoothies.
Similar to its first location, Hissho Sushi is working with a brewery local to the Rogers community to feature on its rotating taps. Bike Rack Brewing Company’s beer will be featured on the 12-rotating tap list. In addition to beer, Hissho’s Craft Beer Bars also feature eight wines on tap.
“Hissho wants to provide our partners with the most creative, craveable products and concepts possible so our relationship and sales can continue to grow,” said Beem. “We’re excited for the opportunity to reach new audiences with this concept and continue to share our passion for sushi.”
Hissho’s top priority with opening the new Rogers location is its employees’ and customers’ health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help prevent the spread of the virus, all employees receive training focused on stringent handwashing and sanitation requirements. They are also required to wear masks and be screened ahead of each shift. The restaurant is currently operating at half its normal occupancy rate, tables and chairs are spaced six feet apart to promote social distancing and, as per Arkansas guidelines, customers are required to wear a mask to enter the restaurant.
About Hissho Sushi
Hissho Sushi, headquartered in Charlotte NC, is the second-largest sushi franchise in the country and has regularly been recognized for their phenomenal growth and as a top employer by INC. Magazine, Smart CEO and the Charlotte Business Journal. Founded in 1998, Hissho Sushi has grown to nearly 2,000 locations in 42 states. Hissho Sushi partners with retailers in grocery, university, corporate services and healthcare facilities to ensure we’re offering freshly made sushi everywhere that our consumers work, live and play. Through its business, Hissho Sushi aspires to enrich lives, and to inspire all to be great and do good.