Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Sushi, craft beer bar chain opens 1st state site in Rogers Walmart

The format is the company’s second sushi bar and craft beer bar combo — it has a similar set up in a Meijer supermarket in Michigan. Other Hissho locations are typically partnered with a retail spot, like a grocery store deli, university, or hospital and offer fresh grab and go sushi made by a sushi chef on-site daily.

Hissho Sushi is based in Charlotte, N.C. and is the nation’s second-largest franchise sushi chain, according to the company. It was founded in 1998 and has nearly 2,000 locations in 42 states.

“We think this is a dynamite location for us,” John Golaszewski, director of nontraditional operations for Hissho Sushi, said regarding the Rogers operation.

The sushi spot in Rogers offers hot foods as well, including Asian chicken wings, boom boom shrimp and dim sum and a selection of craft beers, as well as wine. There are breakfast options, too, like avocado toast, acai bowls and smoothies.

According to IBIS World, the sushi restaurant industry, like the restaurant industry as a whole, is expected to take a hit in 2020 from reduced customer spending because of the covid-19 pandemic. According to data from the National Restaurant Association, the food service industry has lost $165 billion in sales for March through July, and could lose $240 billion by the end of the year, due to the pandemic.

The market size of the sushi restaurant segment for 2020, based on revenue, is $20 billion, and IBIS World predicts a revenue decline of 9.9% for the year. Between 2015 and 2020, the market size saw average annual growth of 1.1%.

Capacity at the Hissho Sushi and Craft Beer Bar in Rogers will be limited to 50% currently per covid-19 requirements and chairs and tables will be placed to adhere to social distancing requirements, according to the company. All employees will receive training on hand washing and sanitation requirements, be screened prior to their shifts, and be required to wear masks.

The dine-in area of the restaurant includes transparent partitions at the sushi bar seating area as well as at some of the larger table setups. The location also has patio seating.

In an emailed statement, Avani Dudhia, a Walmart spokeswoman, said the company is excited to bring the new Hissho Sushi and Craft Beer Bar to its customers in Rogers, adding that it will appeal to a wide variety of folks, from parents who need to pick up a meal after shopping to friends looking for a quick escape after work.

Jeff Charlson, co-founder of Bike Rack Brewing Co., said the company was eager to work with Hissho. Charlson said the brewer is working closely with Hissho to educate it not only about Bike Rack’s products but also the whole Northwest Arkansas brewing scene. The beer offerings at the sushi bar will include brews from several other local craft beer makers.

In 2018, Bike Rack Brewing was the fourth-largest craft beer producer in the state with 2,404 barrels, according to data from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. In 2018, the state’s top five craft beer makers accounted for 27,686 barrels, or 73% of the state’s total beer production. Lost Forty Brewery in Little Rock produced the lion’s share with 14,250 barrels, or nearly 40% of the state’s total.

Hissho’s Golaszewski said the company is committed to featuring Northwest Arkansas brewers alongside its sushi and other menu items.

“You won’t be able to buy a Budweiser here,” he said.