Nashville’s redevelopment boom is pushing a popular sushi restaurant out of its home.
Ken’s Sushiis being forced out of its longtime Division Street location to make room for a massive development that is expected to include a hotel, a shopping center, residential space and a parking facility.
However, the 1.75-acre project led by the Indianapolis-based Buckingham Cos. will not spell the end for $3.95 crunchy shrimp rolls and daily 2-for-1 sake. Owner Kenji “Ken” Ohno decided to make the move across the bridge and secured a new location for his restaurant on the east side, at 923 Main St., which will open later this summer. Ohno is still unsure about when his current location will close. He says he has known for years that he would be forced to vacate his current space. But he says he still hasn’t received any notices from the landlord about when exactly he needs to move.
“I was supposed to move out by now. They told me a couple years ago. Since then, they keep telling me one more year, one more year. So I just decided to go ahead and open the new location while I wait,” Ohno told the Scene.
The good news is the move will mean an expansion of space and menu. Ohno says the new restaurant will have more than 100 seats inside, and he is especially excited about the outdoor patio, which will seat about 40-50.
Ken hopes to revamp the menu as well, with the addition of more Japanese specialties. The new location is tentatively set to open in July and is currently hiring all positions. In the meantime, you might make your way sooner rather than later to Midtown to say farewell and kanpai to Nashville’s longstanding home of the under-$5 sushi roll.
