G0722FUJI_TH_C_^_THUIQ

Fresh sushi will be available at the Downtown Market Hall in July

(File photo | Mlive Media Group)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Downtown Market is getting a fresh sushi bar that will open in the Market Hall in July, officials there announced on Thursday, May 29.

Sushi Maki will serve sushi, maki rolls, sashimi and seaweed salad made onsite, as well as mochi and Japanese soda. They will also have catering services available for parties and gatherings.



The sushi bar will be located next to Fish Lads, the Market's fishmonger, to leverage potential collaborations between the two vendors, according to a news release. The restaurant joins two other new business openings announced this month at the Downtown Market: Penelope's Creperie and Relish Green Grocer.

“The foot traffic and visibility of the Downtown Market made it a perfect location to branch out with our new restaurant,” said Shun Chen in a news release. “We think there is a market for fresh sushi in downtown Grand Rapids, and we look forward to being a part of the community of small business owners at the downtown Market”

The new restaurant will be co-owned by Chen, Johnny Lin and Wen Wang. Chen is the owner of Fuji Yama, a Japanese restaurant at 1501 East Beltline Ave. NE. Lin and Wang will serve as the lead sushi chefs.



"We're flattered to have another successful local business opening a second location in the Market," said Mimi Fritz, the market's president and CEO. "The sushi bar concept fits perfectly into our mix of restaurants and stores featuring freshly prepared, delicious food."

The $30 million Downtown Market entered its second year of operation with an outdoor market earlier this month. The indoor Market Hall, which opened last summer, has space for 24 vendors.

The market also includes several kitchens for small-scale food processing and educational programs. A full-service restaurant and a micro-brewery are “coming soon,” market officials said.

Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.