Fast Casual: Arkansas Walmart welcomes sushi concept

Six months after opening the nation’s first Hissho Sushi & Craft Beer Bar, the company is bringing the 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,” Hissho Sush CEO Dan Beem said in a company press release.

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 found 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, according to the press release.

The sushi restaurant inside the Walmart Supercenter on South Pleasant Crossing Boulevard in Rogers provides hand-rolled sushi and hot appetizers, employing 20 people. Customers will find traditional favorites like California rolls and Krispy Krab, alongside Spicy Red Pepper and Crunchy Shrimp rolls. Along with Hissho’s sushi rolls, customers may choose from hot appetizers, including Asian chicken wings and Boom Boom Shrimp and Dim Sum. It also includes a Healthy Morning Collection, featuring avocado toast, acai bowls and real fruit smoothies.

Bike Rack Brewing Company’s beer is available via 12-rotating taps, and eight wines are also 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,” Beem said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to reach new audiences with this concept and continue to share our passion for sushi.”

Hissho Sushi, headquartered in Charlotte North Carolina, is the second-largest sushi franchise in the country. Founded in 1998, it has grown to nearly 2,000 locations in 42 states, partnering with retailers in grocery, university, corporate services and healthcare facilities.