The Ohio-born fast-casual sushi restaurant, FUSIAN, has become a favorite among locals with its fresh, personalized approach to sushi. Founded by childhood friends, the company is celebrating its 15-year milestone, marking a journey that has brought innovation and community engagement to every location. Joining us today is Katarina Railko, a hospitality expert, to share insights into FUSIAN’s evolution and commitment to providing a fresh sushi experience.
Can you share the story behind the founding of FUSIAN and the vision that drove its creation 15 years ago?
The founding of FUSIAN was driven by a simple yet visionary ideto reimagine sushi in a way that was fresh, fun, and accessible to everyone. The founders, who were childhood friends, believed that good food had the power to bring people together and wanted to challenge traditional sushi concepts. By introducing a fast-casual model that emphasized speed, transparency, and personalization, they created a space where sushi lovers and newcomers alike could design their meals according to their tastes.
How has FUSIAN evolved over the years from its initial concept to what it is today?
Over the years, FUSIAN has expanded its presence and refined its menu to better serve its customers. While the core concept of offering a personalized sushi experience has remained unchanged, the brand has grown to include a variety of rolls, bowls, and salads to cater to an even wider audience. By directly sourcing fresh ingredients and creating house-made sauces, FUSIAN has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation, continually engaging with the local communities and adapting to their needs.
What inspired the idea of a personalized, build-your-own approach to sushi, and how has it been received by customers?
The personalized, build-your-own concept was inspired by the desire to break away from the traditional dining experience and offer something unique. FUSIAN wanted to empower customers to create dishes they loved, whether they were sushi traditionalists or trying it for the first time. This approach has been well-received, resonating with individuals who appreciate the ability to customize their meals based on preference, dietary needs, or mood, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity.
Could you elaborate on the significance of the 15-year milestone for FUSIAN and how the company plans to celebrate it?
Celebrating 15 years is a testament to the community’s support and the hard work of the FUSIAN team. It’s a moment of gratitude, reflection, and forward-thinking. The anniversary will be marked by a weeklong National Sushi Day celebration, offering a $15 meal deal and exclusive merchandise as a thank you to loyal customers. It’s a way to honor the journey so far and to share the excitement of new perspectives and innovations with our patrons.
What can customers expect from the $15 meal deal during the National Sushi Day celebration from June 16-20?
During the celebration, customers will be able to enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal deal that includes a Custom Sushi Roll, edamame, and a fountain drink, all for $15. This combo highlights some of the freshest ingredients available and captures the essence of FUSIAN’s commitment to providing an enjoyable and accessible sushi experience. It’s not just a meal but a way for customers to engage with and be part of FUSIAN’s celebratory spirit.
Why was June 18 chosen as the peak day of the celebration, and what special promotions are planned for that day?
June 18 marks the official National Sushi Day, making it the perfect date to peak the celebrations. On this day, the first 50 guests at each FUSIAN location will receive a free limited-edition merchandise item with their $15 meal deal. It’s an opportunity to not only enjoy a great meal but to also walk away with a piece of the FUSIAN experience, making the day even more special for our community.
What types of exclusive merchandise will be available, and how can customers obtain them?
The exclusive merchandise created for the anniversary includes items that represent the brand’s spirit and connection with its customers. These unique pieces will be available to the first 50 guests who purchase the $15 meal deal on June 18. It’s a way to share our appreciation and let customers take home something tangible that celebrates FUSIAN’s journey and values.
How do you source the ingredients for your menu, and what steps do you take to ensure quality and freshness?
Sourcing quality ingredients is a cornerstone of FUSIAN’s philosophy. We work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that the proteins, vegetables, and other components are of the highest quality. Every ingredient is inspected for freshness, and we proudly use house-made sauces to enhance the flavors while staying transparent with our customers about what goes into their meals. This dedication to quality is part of what sets us apart.
FUSIAN is known for offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. How important is it for the brand to be inclusive of different dietary preferences?
Inclusion is fundamental to FUSIAN’s mission. We understand that dietary preferences and restrictions are part of many customers’ lives, so offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options is crucial. By doing so, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our offerings without compromise. This inclusivity not only broadens our customer base but also reflects our belief that food should be both enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Could you describe some of the signature rolls like the PB+J, and how they reflect FUSIAN’s innovative approach to sushi?
The PB+J roll is a perfect example of FUSIAN’s innovative spirit. It playfully combines unexpected flavors, challenging the traditional sushi norms and creating a unique taste experience that delights our guests. Rolls like these showcase our creativity and willingness to experiment, and they highlight how we incorporate familiarity and novelty into our menu, making sure there’s always something exciting for our customers.
How does FUSIAN maintain its focus on speed, transparency, and personalization in its service?
FUSIAN is built on a service model that prioritizes these elements from the ground up. Our processes are streamlined to ensure efficiency, allowing customers to enjoy quick service without sacrificing the quality of their meal. Transparent ingredient lists and the custom-build approach give clients control over their choices, boosting satisfaction and trust. Personal connection with the staff also plays a role, as it creates a welcoming environment where customers know their needs will be met.
What role does community play in FUSIAN’s business model, and how does the brand engage with the local communities in its locations?
Community is at the heart of FUSIAN’s efforts. From the outset, we’ve aimed to create spaces that serve not just as restaurants but as places for gathering and interaction. Engaging with local communities means sourcing locally where possible, participating in civic events, and offering a consistent, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits. We see our locations as integral parts of their neighborhoods, and our community’s input is vital in guiding our service and experience.
As a company co-founder, what have been some of the most rewarding experiences over the past 15 years?
Seeing FUSIAN grow and become a beloved local favorite has been incredibly rewarding. Watching our vision of fresh, personalized sushi become a reality, and having the opportunity to cultivate a strong bond with communities has been fulfilling. Every positive customer experience and every time we collaborate with community events reinforces our commitment to offering something special and lasting. It’s the impact we make on people’s daily lives that matters most.
What challenges has FUSIAN faced in redefining traditional sushi, and how have these been overcome?
The main challenge has been breaking down preconceived notions of what sushi should be. By introducing new concepts and ingredients to a traditional dish, we faced skepticism. However, our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer education helped in overcoming these hurdles. We actively listen to our customers, adjust our offerings, and maintain transparency, which has built trust and acceptance over time, allowing us to carve out our unique niche in the market.
Can you share some details about FUSIAN’s future plans or any new initiatives on the horizon?
Looking ahead, FUSIAN aims to expand its footprint while staying true to our core values. We’re exploring new locations and partnerships to bring our unique sushi experience to more places. Innovation continues to be a focus, with plans to introduce new menu items and service enhancements that cater to evolving tastes and preferences. Our goal is to remain adaptable and responsive to the needs of our ever-growing customer base.
What impact has FUSIAN had on the sushi industry in Ohio, and how does the brand plan to expand its influence?
FUSIAN has significantly impacted Ohio’s sushi landscape by making the cuisine more approachable and customizable. We’ve set a benchmark for quality and service in fast-casual sushi dining, influencing others in the industry. As we look to the future, we’re focused on broadening our influence through expansion and by continuously innovating our menu and services. Our commitment is to enhance dietary experiences and redefine what people expect from a sushi restaurant.
Do you have any advice for our readers?
Embrace the joy of trying new things, especially when it comes to food. Whether it’s at a restaurant like FUSIAN or in your own kitchen, experimenting with flavors and combinations can uncover new favorites and bring a sense of adventure to everyday life. Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to personalize your meals—after all, dining is as much about experience and community as it is about taste.
