Student-oriented sushi bar to open near campus

Students will soon have the chance to grab Center City sushi without spending a SEPTA token.

Center City sushi restaurant Mizu will open a location at 40th and Chestnut streets in the middle or later part of next month, giving students another 40th street dining option.

Mizu owner Michael Suh, who currently runs Mizu Sushi Bar at 20th and Walnut streets, decided to open a branch in University City because he thinks his restaurant offers something new to the area.

"There wasn't really a place for students to go to get good quality sushi at an affordable price, knowing student budgets," Suh said.

Mizu will serve a variety of sushi and other Japanese hot dishes, Suh said, adding that students will be able to dine in, order take-out or get delivery.

Ready-made sushi will also be available for students who want to eat on the run, Suh said.

While he added that he knows the strip of retail space on 40th Street that will house Mizu does not currently draw as many customers as the area on 40th between Walnut and Spruce, he wants his restaurant to reverse this trend.

"I hope my restaurant is a reason for more and more people to cause foot traffic up there," Suh said. "With Papa John's [Pizza] coming across the street, I think you'll see a gradual development."

To achieve this, Suh will hold promotions and look to hire students when the restaurant first opens.

He will target local families and residents as well.

Facilities and Real Estate Services at Penn was not involved in bringing Mizu to University City, but spokesman Tony Sorrentino is nevertheless excited about its arrival.

"One of the great things about 40th Street is that there's already so many cool international places to begin with," Sorrentino said. "A Japanese restaurant ... compliments the international flavor."

Suh originally wanted to open his new restaurant before the beginning of the new semester but had trouble preparing the space.

"I had some problems with my original construction guy," Suh said. "I had to get someone else in there."

Suh said he is counting on the restaurant's atmosphere to attract its own unique clientele.

"It's very casual," he said. "You don't have to be dressed up to come."

Suh said he knows that there are other Japanese restaurants in Penn's immediate vicinity, including Nara Japanese Restaurant and Ajia Japanese Fusion, but he thinks Mizu's relaxed atmosphere will set it apart.

"They're more catered to sit-down," Suh said. "We're a little bit more like a fast-food end of the sushi. It's a different style of store."

Some students are apprehensive about the venue.

Engineering junior Jared Bernheim said though he enjoys Japanese food, the restaurant's location might deter him from visiting it.

"My usual eating locations are somewhere between Spruce and Walnut," Bernheim said. "I would go, but I would think of it as more as a trek with my friends to go someplace to eat, instead of just regular eating," he added.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.