Have you ever gone to a restaurant and enjoyed it so much that you started to wonder why they don’t have 50 more locations?! Sushi Q has always been one of those for me. They received rave reviews early on when they opened up over four years ago, and they’re still going strong. If you ask me what my top sushi spots are in the Elk Grove/Sacramento area, Sushi Q is likely the first to come out of my mouth! 

Sushi Q isn’t some cheesy place to grab a couple of sauce-drenched sushi rolls at all-day happy hour prices. They really put thought into each roll’s flavor profile, as well as the presentation. They stand out to me above the rest because their sushi rolls don’t all taste and look the same. Each one has its unique flavor like that spicy kick from the “insanity sauce” on their Bomb Dot Com roll. Not only do they have quality seafood and fish, but they also have exclusive rolls. Bacon on top of your sushi… I mean, come on! Top off your meal with a dozen fresh oysters, and your stomach is sent to happy food heaven.

You can imagine how excited I was when they announced that their second location, Sushi Q 2.0, is coming to fruition. The location of their new spot in South Land Park is 1339 Florin Road Suite B101, which is on the corner of Florin and Freeport. And I live smack dab in the middle of both Sushi Q locations, so I get to pick which one I feel like going to! It doesn’t get any better than that.

Qui Tu and wife Kimthy Dai Tu started Sushi Q from the ground up, with some lessons learned along the way. In my experience, the staff is always friendly, calm and composed, even during times when there’s a wait that’s out the door. The Elk Grove location is small and cozy, so it makes sense that they are branching out, but I’m always willing to wait just to eat at this delicious spot! 

With the impact of Covid-19 on the restaurant industry and local economy, we interviewed chef and owner Qui Tu to find out what it’s like to run a restaurant while planning another location in this environment. 

How is the coronavirus and the stay-at-home orders impacting your plans for opening a new restaurant? Are there any changes or shifts in plans?

The coronavirus has made a huge impact on all restaurants and businesses in general. The South Land Park location is in the midst of a build out amongst other things in the works. We are seeking an extension for our build out since some vendors we need are also at a halt. We are currently aiming for an October or November opening.

You’re in a unique position of running an existing restaurant while planning another. What has that been like?

Running an existing restaurant and planning a new location is definitely difficult and challenging but things have been made easier with the help of my better half. Commitment and communication is a huge key but disagreements do arise. One thing I’ve learned in being successful is, you will need to do what others won’t do and make it happen.

What type of mid to long term impact do you think Covid-19 will have on the restaurant industry?

The Impact of Covid-19 will change the industry completely. I don’t think it’s ever going to be the same but in time we can all over turn anything. We need to realize we are all in this together and stay positive. I have hope but it all comes down to adapting, planning, changing and adjusting when and where it’s needed.

What has prompted you to open a new Sushi Q location? How did you decide on South Land Park?

We decided on South Land Park because the demographic there is similar to our Elk Grove location. We wanted to bring our Sushi Q family atmosphere to a neighborhood where that would be valued and appreciated. We’ve also outgrown our current location and that has prompted us to open a second location.

What’s the most challenging aspect of launching and running a restaurant?

The most challenging aspect would probably be assembling the right team to launch the new restaurant while simultaneously sustaining our high standards of quality and service for the existing restaurant. On a personal note, my wife and I have 1 and 3 year old daughters so juggling it all during this time is very challenging.

What has been the most rewarding part of running a restaurant?

The most rewarding aspect for me is sitting back at the end of the night realizing what we accomplish daily. Running a great group is like an orchestra; tunes and beats all hit magically at the right time.

What’s something unexpected you learned along the way about launching or running a restaurant?
Always expect the unexpected!

Follow @sushiqelkgrove on Instagram to stay up-to-date on their current opening hours and also recent deals, like delivery discounts and free add-ons with gift card orders.  You can find their entire menu at sushiq916.com to help you decide what to get. Also, make sure to follow the @sushiq_SLP for the latest on their upcoming location.