Sushi deal brings more fish to campus

Fear not, sushi lovers: Tsunami Sushi, the newest staple at The Marketplace, has plans to expand to more on-campus dining locations.

When The Marketplace’s former sushi partner Sakura Bana was unable to continue working with them this fall, Tsunami Sushi took over for the start of the semester, said Cathleen Barrows, the operations manager for Davis Dining Services. 

Sakura Bana closed their restaurant on Church Street in December of 2011 and Sodexo continued business with them until the end of their contract, said Paul Bahan, director of marketing at Sodexo.

“At that time we looked to another partner that we already have proven relationships in other campus locations that could better meet our expanding needs in terms of variety and desire to grow our volume,” Bahan said.  

Sodexo liked the Tsunami team because they had a wider menu of diverse sushi selections and are focused on using Vermont products when they are available, Bahan said.

“Tsunami is committed to utilizing local produce, as the season permits, the primary local produce items available for their needs being carrots and cucumbers,” he said. “They are also committed to sourcing sustainable seafood products by 2014 in alignment with our overall goals.”

Tsunami Sushi is a locally owned and operated franchise providing a variety of handcrafted, authentic sushi, Barrows said. 

“Feedback from customers has been positive,” she said. “Many are developing favorites in the menu and have quickly become loyal customers.”

After their success in The Marketplace, Tsunami Sushi began to add additional vendors around campus. Currently, Tsunami Sushi is also available in The Atrium, a café in the Given Medical Center and the Waterman Café, Barrows said.

Within the last three weeks, Tsunami Sushi has made small changes reflecting the requests of their customers. 

“They have added sushi made with brown rice,” said Barrows, “a request voiced by a number of our customers.” 

Junior Ben Barker said he is glad to see sushi being served at more locations around campus.

“I eat proportionally more sushi than I should when I’m at UVM,” Barker said. “It’s easy and it’s everywhere.”

Sophomore Savannah Godby, a Tsunami Sushi regular, said she is excited that the franchise will be served at more on-campus locations. 

“Tsunami Sushi definitely has the best sushi on campus,” she said.

With that kind of response, Tsunami Sushi might have an even bigger presence on campus in the near future, Barrows said.

“Expansion is definitely the plan,” Barrows said. “Next stop: The University Marche.”